Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe: A Slice Of Caribbean Heaven

I’ve always had a soft spot for spiced Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe with rich, tropical flavor. There’s something special about the mix of warm spices, sweet carrots, and a hint of island flair.

After years of baking and tweaking, I created the perfect balance in my go-to Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe.

This cake is moist, flavorful, and packed with goodness. I use fresh carrots, crushed pineapple, and a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg for that true Caribbean taste.

It’s one of my most requested desserts. I love making it for holidays, birthdays, or just a cozy weekend treat.

Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?

This recipe is a must-try because it takes a classic Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe and gives it a bold Caribbean twist.

The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet pineapple creates a rich, moist cake that stands out from the usual. It’s easy to make, doesn’t require fancy ingredients, and always turns out beautifully.

I love how the flavors develop with each bite—comforting, nostalgic, and just the right amount of tropical. looking to impress or simply treat yourself, this Jamaican Carrot Cake delivers every time.

How To Prepare Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Jamaican

Difficulty: Easy

Yield: 10 servings​

Kitchen Utensils

To make this delightful cake, gather the following equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Grater (for carrots)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Oven
• Cooling rack​

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract​

For the cream cheese frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice​

How To Make Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.​

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside

3. Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.​

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.​

5. Add Carrots and Other Ingredients

Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut, and orange zest until evenly distributed.​

6. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.​

7. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange juice, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.​

8. Frost the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or shredded coconut if desired.​

Special Notes

1.Freshly Grated Carrots Make a Difference: I always use fresh, hand-grated carrots instead of pre-shredded ones. They add more moisture and a better texture to the cake. It’s a small extra step that makes a big impact.

2. Don’t Skip the Pineapple: Crushed pineapple might seem unusual, but it’s essential. It keeps the cake incredibly moist and adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spices perfectly. Trust me, it ties everything together.

Nutrition Facts Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe

• Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g
• Sugar: 30g​

Expert Tips Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs, cream cheese, and butter are at room temperature. It helps them blend smoothly and gives the cake a better texture.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of soft and fluffy.

3. Drain the Pineapple Well: Excess liquid from the pineapple can make the batter too wet. I press it gently through a sieve to get the perfect consistency.

4. Toast the Nuts for Extra Flavor: If you’re using walnuts or pecans, give them a quick toast in a dry pan. It brings out their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch.

5. Cool Completely Before Frosting: I know it’s tempting, but wait until the cake is fully cooled. Frosting a warm cake melts the icing and ruins the finish. Patience pays off!

Healthy Nutrition Benefits

This Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe isn’t just delicious—it offers some surprising health benefits too. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health and boosts the immune system.

The pineapple adds vitamin C and natural sweetness, cutting down on the need for extra sugar. Plus, the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg have anti-inflammatory properties.

Even the nuts bring in healthy fats and a bit of protein. While it’s still a treat, it’s one you can enjoy with a little less guilt—especially when made with wholesome, real ingredients.

How To Store Leftovers

To keep your Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. If it’s frosted, I keep it in the fridge to maintain the texture of the cream cheese icing.

It stays moist and flavorful for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them.

When I’m ready to enjoy a piece, I just let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour. It tastes just as good as the day I baked it!

What Is In Jamaican Carrot Juice?

Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe juice is a creamy, sweet drink made from blended fresh carrots, sweetened condensed milk, and spices like nutmeg and cinnamon.

Some versions include vanilla extract and a splash of rum or lime juice for an extra kick. I love adding a bit of coconut milk for a richer, tropical flavor. It’s refreshing, slightly indulgent, and perfect served over ice.

Is Carrot Cake Healthy Or Unhealthy?

Carrot cake can be both, depending on how it’s made. It contains nutritious ingredients like carrots, nuts, and sometimes pineapple, which add vitamins and fiber.

But it’s also often high in sugar, oil, and frosting, which increases the calorie count. I see it as a healthier dessert option when made with real, whole ingredients and enjoyed in moderation.

Can You Make This Recipe Flourless By Using Only Almond Flour Instead?

Yes, you can make this recipe with almond flour, but expect a denser texture.

Almond flour doesn’t provide the same structure as wheat flour, so I usually adjust the eggs or add a binder like a little coconut flour. It’s a great gluten-free option, and the nutty flavor pairs well with the spices and carrots.

Can You Use An Alternative Sweetener?

Absolutely. I’ve used maple syrup, coconut sugar, and even stevia blends in place of white sugar. Just remember to adjust the quantity and wet ingredients depending on the sweetener type.

For example, liquid sweeteners might require reducing oil slightly. Taste as you go—balance is everything.

My Cake Hasn’t Baked After 40 Minutes?

If your cake is still wet in the center after 40 minutes, don’t panic. Ovens vary, and added moisture from ingredients like pineapple can slow baking.

I usually tent the top with foil to prevent over-browning, then bake in 5–10 minute intervals. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs when it’s ready.

Final Word

looking for a dessert that’s rich in flavor, easy to make, and full of island charm, this Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe is it. I’ve made it countless times, and it never disappoints.

Sharing it with friends or keeping it all to yourself (no judgment here), every bite delivers warmth, spice, and a touch of the tropics.

Try it once, and I’m pretty sure it’ll earn a permanent spot in your baking rotation. Happy baking—and don’t forget to enjoy every sweet, spiced slice!