Carrot Cake

Carrot cake is a moist, spiced dessert that uses grated carrots as a primary ingredient, often paired with walnuts, raisins, and a signature cream cheese frosting. It typically originates from Europe, with roots in medieval carrot puddings, and has become a beloved staple in American and British baking.

🍳 View the full Carrot Cake recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

It is generally high in carbohydrates and fats, especially from sugar, oil, and frosting, while providing some fiber and vitamin A from the carrots. A typical slice can range from 300 to 500 calories, depending on portion size and recipe variations.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	400 kcal
Protein	5 g
Carbs	55 g
Fat	20 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	35 g
Sodium	300 mg
Vitamin A	800 µg RAE
Vitamin C	4 mg
Calcium	60 mg
Iron	1.5 mg
Potassium	200 mg
Magnesium	20 mg
Phosphorus	80 mg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg

Per 1 slice (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Carrot cake's use of carrots as a sweetener dates back to medieval Europe when sugar was scarce, making it an early example of vegetable-based baking. Nutritionally, the carrots add moisture and natural sweetness while contributing beta-carotene, though the frosting often makes it a decadent treat rather than a health food.