Costco Carrot Cake Recipe with Pineapple – Moist & Nutty

Are you craving a sweet, moist, and flavorful dessert? The Costco Carrot Cake recipe is the perfect choice for anyone looking to recreate a classic, rich cake loaded with shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, and warm spices. With its tender texture and wholesome ingredients, this cake brings comfort and deliciousness in every bite.

Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a special celebration, or just to satisfy a sweet tooth, this recipe offers a crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s easy to follow, and the combination of coconut, walnuts, and cinnamon adds the perfect crunch and warmth.

costco carrot cake

Why do we love this recipe?

If you love desserts, you know that sweet treats are more than just food; they carry emotions and memories. This is especially true for the Costco Carrot Cake, which is a wonderful choice for celebrating special moments or simply enjoying a delicious slice. With its rich flavors and moist texture, it stands out as a delightful option among sweet desserts. There are many reasons to enjoy this cake, such as:

  • Moist and Flavorful: The combination of carrots, pineapple, and walnuts creates a rich, moist cake with layers of natural sweetness and texture.
  • Perfect Spice Blend: The cinnamon and vanilla add warmth and depth, making each bite comforting and delicious.
  • Versatile for Occasions: Whether for birthdays, holidays, or casual gatherings, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that works for any celebration.
  • Balanced Sweetness: The blend of sugar and the natural sweetness from the pineapple and carrots ensures the cake is flavorful without being overly sugary.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly but delivers bakery-quality results every time.

Key Notes

ServingCaloriesPrep. TimeCook TimeTotal Time
8435 kcal20 Mins40 Mins60 Mins

Kitchen utensils

  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grater (for shredding carrots)
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • 9×13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper (optional for lining the pan)
  • Cooling rack

Costco Carrot Cake ingredients

3 large EggsCheck Price
1 Cup Flaked CoconutCheck Price
2 cups Shredded CarrotsCheck Price
3/4 Cup ButtermilkCheck Price
1 Can Pineapple (Crushed with juice)Check Price
1 Cup Walnuts (Chopped)Check Price
3/4 cup Vegetable oilCheck Price
2 cups All-purpose FlourCheck Price
1 cup RaisinsCheck Price
1/2 cups White sugarCheck Price
2 tablespoon Baking sodaCheck Price
2 tablespoon Vanilla extractCheck Price
1/4 tablespoon SaltCheck Price
2 tsp Ground cinnamonCheck Price

Making Costco Carrot Cake Recipe

  • Preheat the oven:Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
  • Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this aside.
  • Prepare the wet ingredients: In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, white sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until well combined.
  • Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Add the extras: Fold in the shredded carrots, flaked coconut, crushed pineapple with juice, raisins, and chopped walnuts. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and smooth the top. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Cool the cake: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
costco carrot cake recipe

Tips for better results

Making Costco Carrot Cake is straightforward and easy, but if you’re short on time and want to whip it up quickly, I’ve got you covered! You can follow some simple tips to speed up the process without compromising on taste. These tricks not only save you time but also ensure your cake turns out deliciously every time. Here are my top recommendations to help you achieve great results fast:

  • Use fresh carrots: Grate the carrots just before adding them to the batter to retain their moisture, making the cake softer.
  • Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
  • Room temperature ingredients: For a smoother batter, make sure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing.
  • Drain the pineapple slightly: Leave a bit of juice for moisture, but draining excess will prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
  • Evenly distribute batter: If using multiple cake pans, divide the batter evenly between them to ensure consistent baking.
  • Check doneness with a toothpick: Stick a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
  • Cool before frosting: Allow the cake to fully cool on a wire rack before adding frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.

Serving suggestions

Serving suggestions can make enjoying your Carrot Cake even more enjoyable and help set the mood at your dining table. To make your meal more delightful and visually appealing, I’ve put together some simple and quick dishes that pair well with the cake. Here are a few ideas to enhance your serving experience:

Storage guideline

Storing your Costco Carrot Cake correctly is really important to keep it fresh and tasty for a long time. Proper storage helps maintain its flavor and texture. Here are some helpful tips on how to store your cake effectively:

  • Refrigeration: After baking, allow the cake to cool completely before covering it. Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help preserve the moisture of the cake and the quality of the frosting (if using).
  • Freezing: If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the cake. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
  • Room Temperature: If the cake will be consumed within 1-2 days, you can store it at room temperature in an airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

FAQs

Yes, you can make adjustments based on your preferences or dietary needs. For example, you can swap out the walnuts for pecans or use a different type of oil, like coconut oil, instead of vegetable oil. You can also omit the raisins if you prefer.

It usually takes around 45-60 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C), but the time may vary depending on your oven. You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

Yes, you can freeze the carrot cake. Make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To keep the cake moist, don’t over bake it, and be sure to use the right amount of oil, buttermilk, and crushed pineapple. These ingredients help maintain the moisture. Also, store it properly, covered, to prevent drying out.

Conclusions

In my final words, the Costco Carrot Cake is a delicious and moist dessert full of sweet flavors from ingredients like carrots, coconut, and pineapple. It’s easy to make and perfect for any special occasion or just as a treat to enjoy at home. By following easy tips and storing it properly, you can ensure it stays fresh and tasty for longer.

costco carrot cake recipe

Costco Carrot Cake Recipe

Costco's carrot cake is quite popular for its moist texture and rich flavor. While the exact recipe isn't publicly available, many home bakers have tried to replicate it. The cake typically features grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts, along with cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 435 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowls
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Grater (for shredding carrots)
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Spatula
  • Baking pan
  • Parchment paper (optional for lining the pan)
  • Cooling Rack

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 Cup Flaked Coconut
  • 2 cups Shredded Carrots
  • 3/4 Cup Buttermilk
  • 1 Can Pineapple (Crushed with juice0
  • 1 Cup Walnuts Chopped
  • 3/4 cup Vegetable oil
  • 2 cups All-purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Raisins
  • 11/2 cups White sugar
  • 2 tablespoon Baking soda
  • 2 tablespoon Vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tablespoon Salt
  • 2 tsp Ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
  • In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this aside.
  • In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, white sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until well combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Fold in the shredded carrots, flaked coconut, crushed pineapple with juice, raisins, and chopped walnuts. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and smooth the top. Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, let the cake cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Keyword Costco Carrot Cake Recipe