How to Bake Lloyd’s Carrot Cake Recipe at Home

Published: 24 Sep 2025

Lloyd’s Carrot Cake is a real New York City symbol. It is popular for its rich flavor and moist structure, and it has won the hearts of cake lovers everywhere. Each bite melts in the mouth with the ideal combination of sweetness and spice. This cake is not just simply cake; it is a celebration for every dish.

Lloyd’s Carrot Cake shines apart for its creamy frosting and fresh ingredients, which give it a unique flavor. Everything matters, from the carrot slices to the taste of spices. Baking this cake at home takes a taste of New York City into your own kitchen. Prepare to savor a piece of this traditional cake!

Table of Content

What is Lloyds Carrot Cake?

Lloyd’s Carrot Cake is a popular dish in New York City. It is soft, juicy, and full of taste. The cheese cake is made with fresh carrots, spices, sometimes with nuts or pineapple. It concludes with a silky and delicious cream cheese garnish. People like it due to its sweet flavor and rich texture.

The History & Legacy of Lloyd’s Carrot Cake

Lloyd Adams, a brilliant baker from New York City, created the Lloyd’s Carrot Cake recipe. He started making this cake using a specific family recipe, which quickly gained popularity. Over time, it became a famous cake liked by both residents and visitors. Today, it is popular for its unique flavor, rich texture, and status in New York City’s dessert culture.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Cake

To make the perfect Lloyd’s Carrot Cake, you need fresh, high-quality ingredients. Both the cake and the cream cheese frosting play a big role in its rich taste and moist texture.

Key Cake Ingredients:

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

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (adjust for desired consistency)

Optional Add-ins & Flavor Boosters:

Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
Shredded coconut for a tropical touch
Crushed pineapple for extra moisture and sweetness
Raisins for a chewy, fruity flavor
A pinch of ginger or cloves for added spice

Tools You’ll Need for Baking Success

To bake Lloyd’s Carrot Cake perfectly, having the right kitchen tools is important. These tools make mixing, baking, and decorating easier and more accurate.

Essential Kitchen Tools:

Mixing bowls (large and medium)
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Grater for carrots
Spatula and wooden spoon
9-inch round cake pans (2)
Parchment paper or non-stick spray
Cooling rack
Offset spatula or knife for frosting
Toothpick (to check cake doneness)

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

Prepare Oven & Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. You can also line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to mix all the spices evenly.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs and vegetable oil until smooth. Add grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and any optional nuts or coconut. Mix everything together.

Combine & Prepare Batter

Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean.

Cool Before Frosting

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

Start by beating the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Mix well for a creamy texture. Add a little milk if needed to make it spreadable. Your frosting should be smooth and easy to spread on the cake.

Assembling & Frosting Your Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second layer carefully. Cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting. Smooth it out with a spatula and decorate as you like.

Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake

To make the perfect Lloyd’s Carrot Cake, a few baking tips can help you get it just right. These small tricks ensure your cake is moist, flavorful, and perfectly baked.

Use finely grated carrots to keep the cake moist.
Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture.
Add optional nuts, coconut, or pineapple for extra flavor.
Bake carefully and check with a toothpick to ensure it’s perfectly done.

Serving Suggestions & Presentation Ideas

Serving Lloyd’s Carrot Cake the right way makes it even more enjoyable. You can pair it with drinks or decorate it to make it look beautiful.

Serve with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a perfect pairing.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
Garnish the top with chopped walnuts or toasted coconut.
Dust a little cinnamon or cocoa powder for a decorative touch.
Cut into even slices and serve on a nice plate for a clean presentation.

Storage & Shelf-Life Guidelines

Store the cake in an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

You can make the cake healthier by using whole wheat flour or coconut sugar. For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based butter. To make it nut-free, simply skip the walnuts or use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead.

Nutritional Information

Knowing the nutrition facts of Lloyd’s Carrot Cake helps you enjoy it wisely. Here’s a breakdown of the key nutritional details per serving:

Sodium: 200–250 mg

Calories: 350–400 kcal

Carbohydrates: 50–55 g

Protein: 4–5 g

Fat: 15–18 g

Saturated Fat: 6–8 g

Fiber: 2–3 g

Sugar: 30–35 g

Conclusion

In conclusion, making Lloyds Carrot Cake Recipe at home is simple and enjoyable. This cake is light, moist, and flavorful. Anyone can prepare it perfectly using basic materials and methods. The cream cheese frosting improves its flavor. Try this Lloyds Carrot Cake Recipe for family celebrations or special events. Enjoy a slice of this legendary New York City dessert at any time!

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded carrots from the store?

Yes, you can. Just make sure they are fresh and not too dry. Freshly grated carrots give the best taste and moisture.

How do I store leftover carrot cake?

Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes, you can bake it a day or two before serving. Keep it covered in the fridge and frost it just before serving.

What can I use instead of cream cheese frosting?

You can use buttercream, whipped cream, or a simple glaze. Each option gives a different flavor and texture.

Can I make this cake nut-free?

Yes, simply skip the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Use finely grated carrots and don’t overmix the batter. Adding crushed pineapple also helps keep it soft.