Do you love soft and sweet cakes? Then you must try this Luby’s Carrot Cake Recipe. It is moist, rich, and full of taste.
The cake has grated carrots, crunchy nuts, and warm spices. A smooth cream cheese frosting makes it even better.
Many people know it as a famous treat from Luby’s Cafeteria. Making Luby’s Carrot Cake is simple and fun. You only need a few tools and easy ingredients for Luby’s Carrot Cake Recipe.
This cake is great for birthdays, holidays, or family meals. Once you taste it, you will want to bake it again. Let’s learn step by step and make this special cake.
Why You’ll Love This Luby’s Carrot Cake Recipe
This cake is moist and sweet with rich flavor. It feels like a bakery cake but is made at home. You can serve it for parties or family dinners. The frosting is creamy and tasty, making each bite perfect.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Luby’s Carrot Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
- Servings: 10–12
Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Grater
- Spatula
- Two 9-inch cake pans
- Cooling rack
- Knife
Ingredients You Need for Luby’s Carrot Cake Recipe
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, soft
- 1/2 cup butter, soft
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat the oven
Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well.
3. Mix wet ingredients
In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry
Add dry mix into wet mix slowly. Stir until smooth.
5. Add carrots and nuts
Fold in grated carrots and chopped nuts. Mix with a spatula.
6. Bake the cake
Pour batter into pans. Bake for 40–45 minutes. Test with a toothpick.
7. Cool the cake
Remove cakes from oven. Cool on rack for 20 minutes.
8. Make the frosting
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
9. Frost the cake
Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting on top. Add second layer and frost whole cake.
10. Serve and enjoy
Cut into slices. Serve with tea, coffee, or milk.
Tips to Make the Best Luby’s Carrot Cake Recipe
- Grate fresh carrots for better flavor.
- Do not mix the batter too much.
- Toast nuts for extra crunch.
- Chill frosting before spreading.
- Add raisins for a sweeter cake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with hot tea or coffee. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sprinkle more nuts on top. Serve with fresh fruit for a light touch.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Keep cake in the fridge in an airtight box.
- It stays fresh for 3–4 days.
- Let it sit at room temp before serving.
- Do not microwave frosting, it may melt.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Carbs | 50 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Sugar | 35 g |
Health Benefits
Carrots give vitamin A for good eyes. Nuts add protein and healthy fats. Eggs give energy and strength. This cake is sweet but also has natural goodness.
Luby’s Carrot Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese soft
- 1/2 cup butter soft
- 3 –4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch pans.
Mix dry ingredients
- In a bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well.
Mix wet ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine wet and dry
- Add dry mix into wet mix slowly. Stir until smooth.
Add carrots and nuts
- Fold in grated carrots and chopped nuts. Mix with a spatula.
Bake the cake
- Pour batter into pans. Bake for 40–45 minutes. Test with a toothpick.
Cool the cake
- Remove cakes from oven. Cool on rack for 20 minutes.
Make the frosting
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until creamy.
Frost the cake
- Place one cake layer on a plate. Spread frosting on top. Add second layer and frost whole cake.
Serve and enjoy
- Cut into slices. Serve with tea, coffee, or milk.
Notes
- Grate fresh carrots for better flavor.
- Do not mix the batter too much.
- Toast nuts for extra crunch.
- Chill frosting before spreading.
- Add raisins for a sweeter cake.
FAQs about Luby’s Carrot Cake Recipe
Q1: How to make it more moist?
Add applesauce or more oil. Do not overbake.
Q2: Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, freeze slices up to 2 months.
Q3: Can I make it without nuts?
Yes, skip nuts or add raisins instead.
Q4: What frosting is best?
Cream cheese frosting is classic and tasty.
Q5: Can I bake it in one pan?
Yes, use one big pan. Bake a little longer.
Final Thoughts on Luby’s Carrot Cake Recipe
This Luby’s Carrot Cake Recipe is simple and very tasty. Now you know how to make Luby’s Carrot Cake with easy steps. You only need simple ingredients for Luby’s Carrot Cake Recipe and little time.
It is great for birthdays, parties, or family meals. Share it with loved ones. Once you try it, you will bake it again. This is a dessert everyone will enjoy.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!