Moist Brown Butter Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

4/29/2025

If there’s one dessert that captures both comfort and celebration, it’s carrot cake. But this isn’t just any carrot cake—this is a Brown Butter Carrot Cake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting and a homemade caramel drizzle that takes it over the top. Moist, warmly spiced, and full of rustic charm, it’s the perfect centerpiece for Easter or any special gathering.

At Scratch Crafted Meals, we believe in baking with love and intention. This cake brings that philosophy to life in every bite—elevated by browned butter’s nutty depth, made-from-scratch layers, and a sweet finish that’s worthy of your holiday table.

Why Brown Butter Makes a Difference

Brown butter is liquid gold—it transforms ordinary butter into something rich, toasty, and deeply flavorful. In this carrot cake, it enhances the warmth of the cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and complements the natural sweetness of carrots and pineapple.

Instead of oil, we brown our butter, cool it, and blend it into the batter for extra aroma and depth. It’s a simple switch that makes a big impact.

Cake Highlights

Rich and moist from fresh grated carrots and crushed pineapple
Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional ginger
Filled and frosted with silky cream cheese frosting
Topped with toasted walnuts and a swirl of homemade caramel sauce
Perfect for spring gatherings, Easter, or anytime you want to wow a crowd

Perfect Pairings

Such a treat with Vanilla Bean Ice cream and Homemade Caramel

Tools Needed

Medium saucepan (for browning butter)
Large mixing bowls (1 for wet, 1 for dry ingredients)
Whisk and silicone spatula
Hand mixer or stand mixer (for frosting)
Box grater (for carrots)
Measuring cups and spoons
Two 9-inch cake pans or one 9x13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper (optional, for lining pans)
Cooling rack

*as an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Brown Butter Carrot Cake Recipe

Servings: 10–12
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups finely grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
2 tbsp pineapple juice, applesauce, or Greek yogurt (optional moisture boost)

For the Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp heavy cream (optional)
Pinch of salt

Optional Topping:

Homemade caramel sauce (see caramel recipe post)
Additional chopped nuts for garnish

Instructions:

Brown the Butter: Melt butter in a light-colored saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until it foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 5-8 minutes). Pour into a bowl and let cool slightly.
Prep Oven & Pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round pans or one 9x13-inch pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine both sugars and cooled brown butter. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla, carrots, pineapple, and optional moisture boost.
Combine & Bake: Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in nuts and coconut if using. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool & Frost: Let cakes cool completely before frosting. Make the frosting by beating cream cheese and butter until smooth, then adding powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Add heavy cream if needed for texture.
Decorate: Frost the cooled cake and top with a generous drizzle of caramel and chopped nuts.

Pro Tips:

✔ For extra moistness: Add ¼ cup applesauce or use brown butter instead of oil.
✔ For a sheet cake: Bake in a 9x13” pan for 35-40 minutes.
✔ Want a twist? Try adding orange zest to the frosting for a bright citrus note.
✔ Make sure the brown butter is cooled slightly before mixing with eggs
✔ For a tidy finish, chill the cake before final frosting or drizzling caramel

What I Served with my Brown Butter Carrot Cake for Easter Sunday

Pair this cozy, decadent dessert with:

🧀 Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese – for a classic comfort pairing
🥩 Garlic Herb Roasted Leg of Lamb – an elegant Easter or Sunday dinner centerpiece
🥦 Lemon Garlic Broccolini – to balance the sweetness with something fresh
🍞 Japanese Milk Bread – a pillowy soft side to round out a celebratory table

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days
Freeze (Unfrosted Layers): Wrap well and freeze for up to 2 months
Freeze (Frosted Slices): Wrap individual slices and freeze up to 1 month

Estimated Nutrition (Per Slice)

Calories: ~470 kcal
Fat: 28g
Sugar: 35g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 5g

FAQ: Common Questions About This Cake

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake the layers a day or two ahead, wrap tightly, and store in the fridge or freezer. Frost the day you plan to serve.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
A: Freshly grated carrots give better texture and moisture. Pre-shredded can be a bit dry or coarse.

Q: What if I don’t have pineapple?
A: You can leave it out and increase the carrots slightly. Add a bit of applesauce or yogurt for moisture
.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Shop Scratch Crafted Collection/Bakery

Cookies First, Questions Later

$18.00 - $23.00

This just might be the softest and most comfortable women's t-shirt you'll ever own. Combine the relaxed fit and smooth fabric of this tee with jeans to create an effortless every-day outfit, or dress it up with a jacket and dress pants for a business casual look.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton
• Heather Prism Lilac & Heather Prism Natural are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Athletic Heather is 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Other Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz/y² (142 g/m²)
• Relaxed fit
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Side-seamed construction
• Crew neck
• Blank product sourced from Nicaragua, Honduras, or the US

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!

Shop

Cute Bread Pun Set of pin buttons

$10.00 - $13.00

Express yourself in a meaningful way with top-quality pin buttons. They’re lightweight, sturdy, and easy to put on. With a scratch and UV-resistant coating and a glossy finish, these pin buttons are made to last. Show off the things you care about and add a pop of personality to your clothing or accessories with vibrant pin buttons.

• They come in a set of 5
• Made of tinplate
• Scratch and UV-resistant mylar coating
• Glossy finish
• Easy to put on

Shop

Women's Relaxed T-Shirt

$16.00 - $20.50

Shop

Dough it Yourself -Bubble-free stickers

$3.00 - $7.00

These stickers are printed on durable, high opacity adhesive vinyl which makes them perfect for regular use, as well as for covering other stickers or paint. The high-quality vinyl ensures there are no bubbles when applying the stickers.

• High opacity film that’s impossible to see through
• Fast and easy bubble-free application
• Durable vinyl
• 95µ density

Don't forget to clean the surface before applying the sticker.

Age restrictions: For adults
EU Warranty: 2 years

In compliance with the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), Oak inc. and SINDEN VENTURES LIMITED ensure that all consumer products offered are safe and meet EU standards. For any product safety related inquiries or concerns, please contact our EU representative at [email protected]. You can also write to us at 123 Main Street, Anytown, Country or Markou Evgenikou 11, Mesa Geitonia, 4002, Limassol, Cyprus.

Shop

Unisex Hoodie

$28.00 - $32.50

Who knew that the softest hoodie you'll ever own comes with such a cool design. You won't regret buying this classic streetwear piece of apparel with a convenient pouch pocket and warm hood for chilly evenings.

• 100% cotton face
• 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester
• Front pouch pocket
• Self-fabric patch on the back
• Matching flat drawstrings
• 3-panel hood
• Blank product sourced from Pakistan

Disclaimer: This hoodie runs small. For the perfect fit, we recommend ordering one size larger than your usual size.

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!

Shop

Men’s premium tank top

$18.50 - $23.00

It’s always a good decision to invest in premium-quality basics that’ll look good and last long. The men’s premium tank top is exceptionally soft and smooth and made of durable materials. Wear it as your workout top, layering piece, or on its own, paired with your favorite bottoms.

• 100% combed ring-spun cotton
• Athletic Heather is 85% cotton, 15% viscose
• Charcoal Heather is 60% polyester, 40% cotton
• Fabric weight: 5.5 oz/yd² (186.48 g/m²)
• Soft-washed and tight-knit mid/heavyweight material
• Relaxed fit
• Extra soft surface
• Sleeveless drop arm
• Blank product sourced from Bangladesh

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!

Shop

Rosemary Garlic Pull Apart Loaf

$14.00

Sold out

Soft, golden layers of artisan bread infused with fragrant fresh rosemary and savory garlic, generously brushed with herb-infused melted butter and sprinkled with rich, nutty Parmesan cheese. Each pull-apart square is baked to perfection—tender on the inside with a lightly crisp, buttery edge. Finished with a touch of sea salt for balance, this rustic yet elegant loaf is perfect for sharing, pairing with soups, or enjoying all on its own. A warm, comforting bakery favorite that’s both indulgent and irresistible.

Price is for one loaf there 2 are pictured

Contains: Wheat, Milk (butter, Parmesan), and may contain traces of nuts (depending on your kitchen setup).

Prepared in a home kitchen not subject to state licensure or inspection.

Shop

Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

$2.00 - $28.00

Sold out

Everything you love about a cinnamon roll—soft, sweet, and gooey—but baked into a one-pan masterpiece. Our Cinnamon Roll Focaccia is made with a fluffy, yeasted dough swirled with brown sugar and cinnamon, then finished with a rich cream cheese flavored glaze that melts right into the golden crust.

It’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or anytime you’re craving something warm, cozy, and scratch-made. No rolling or shaping required—just pure cinnamon-sugar comfort in every bite.

Contains: Wheat, dairy, and egg. Made in a home kitchen not subject to inspection.

Shop

Bourbon Caramel Swirl Brownies

$2.00 - $30.00

Sold out

Rich. Gooey. Unforgettable.

These handcrafted brownies are a bakery-exclusive favorite — made with real sourdough starter for a deep, complex flavor and a tender, fudgy bite. Each square is generously swirled with our small-batch bourbon caramel, cooked low and slow to create a toasty, buttery finish with just the right amount of warmth.

We use high-quality cocoa, brown sugar for added moisture, and a touch of tang from our sourdough discard to balance the sweetness — resulting in a rich chocolate brownie that’s both nostalgic and elevated.

Perfectly indulgent. Unapologetically bold.

And yes, safe for kids — the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind only the caramelized bourbon magic.

Comes with 9 brownies in total! Caramel sauce can be drizzled on top or in an oz cup per request.

This product contains the following allergens:

Wheat (in all-purpose flour, sourdough discard)
Eggs
Milk (in butter, heavy cream, chocolate chips)
Soy (present in most commercial chocolate chips as soy lecithin)

Prepared in a home kitchen not subject to state licensure or inspection.

Shop

Midnight in Dubai Cookies

$2.00 - $18.00

Meet the cookie that’s redefining indulgence. Midnight in Dubai is a handcrafted sourdough chocolate chip cookie, generously stuffed with silky homemade pistachio cream and finished with a double drizzle of dark chocolate and pistachio ganache. Topped with flaky sea salt and bits of pistachio. Each bite offers a perfect balance of rich, nutty flavor and soft, gooey decadence—wrapped in golden edges and artisan flair.

Crafted in small batches with naturally leavened dough, premium chocolate, and roasted pistachios, this luxury cookie is as unforgettable as it sounds.

Available for limited release only. Preorder while they last.

Shop

Sweet Magnolia Sourdough Butter Pecan Cookies

$2.00 - $22.00

Sold out

Sweet Magnolia is where Southern tradition meets small-batch magic. These soft and chewy cookies are made with brown butter, toasted pecans, and a hint of vanilla—but what makes them truly special is our signature sourdough. The natural fermentation adds a subtle tang and extra depth of flavor, making every bite rich, cozy, and impossible to forget.

Handcrafted in small batches and baked fresh with love by Scratch Crafted Bakery.

Shop

Old Soul Oatmeal Raisin

$1.50 - $18.00

Sold out

Introducing Old Soul—a cookie with heart, heritage, and just the right amount of sweetness. Made with a cozy blend of rolled oats, juicy raisins, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon, this cookie has all the flavors you remember, with a soft, chewy texture that’s anything but old-fashioned.

It’s the kind of cookie that feels like a familiar friend—simple, honest, and made with love in every bite.

Baked fresh in small batches by Scratch Crafted Bakery.

Shop

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Carrot Cake is one for the recipe box. It’s cozy, classic, and just indulgent enough to feel like a celebration. Whether you’re baking for Easter, Mother’s Day, or just a cozy spring weekend, this cake is sure to bring smiles.

Oh—and if you made it this far in the blog post, we’re officially besties. 💕 Use coupon code BESTIE for 10% off your next order from the bakery or scratch collection. Because sweet friends deserve sweet deals.

Tag us in your creations with #ScratchCraftedMeals and share your sweet moments with us!

0 Comments