Costco carrot cake recipe – Bex’s Kitchen

Last Updated on January 16, 2024

Nothing says comfort food quite like a moist and delicious carrot cake. Whether you’re looking to whip up a special treat for a special occasion or just want to indulge in a classic dessert, this Costco Carrot Cake is sure to hit the spot. 

It’s incredibly easy to make, and it’s made with all-natural ingredients that you can find at your local Costco. Plus, it’s packed with nutritious carrots, so you can feel good about indulging in a slice of this sweet treat.

What is Costco Carrot Cake? 

Costco, formally identified as Costco Wholesale Corporation and commonly abbreviated as Costco, stands as a prominent American multinational corporation celebrated for its membership-based big-box warehouse club retail establishments. 

One of their most popular items is Costco Carrot Cake which  is a classic dessert recipe that is perfect for any special occasion. 

It’s made with fresh carrots, walnuts, coconut, and pineapple, as well as a variety of other wholesome ingredients. It’s incredibly moist and flavorful, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love this Costco Carrot Cake? 

This Costco Carrot Cake Recipe is incredibly easy to make and you can find all of the ingredients at your local Costco. 

Plus, it’s made with wholesome ingredients, so you can feel good about indulging in a slice of this sweet treat. It’s incredibly moist and flavorful, and it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

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The Ingredients

• 1.5 Large eggs from pasture-raised hens, ensuring rich and golden yolks: Pasture-raised eggs contribute rich and golden yolks to the carrot cake batter, providing structure, moisture, and a vibrant color to the finished cake.
• 3/4 Cup of organic white sugar, sustainably sourced for a touch of sweetness: Organic white sugar, sustainably sourced, sweetens the carrot cake, balancing the flavors and providing a desirable level of sweetness.
• 3/8 Cup of cold-pressed vegetable oil, adding a subtle nutty note: Cold-pressed vegetable oil adds moisture to the cake and brings a subtle nutty note to the flavor profile, enhancing the overall richness.
• 3/8 Cup of velvety buttermilk, crafted from the finest dairy: Velvety buttermilk, crafted from the finest dairy, adds acidity and tenderness to the carrot cake, contributing to its moist and tender texture.
• 1 Teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, a fragrant elixir: Pure vanilla extract provides a fragrant and aromatic elixir, enhancing the overall flavor of the carrot cake with its sweet and floral notes.
• 1 Cup of finely sifted all-purpose flour, chosen for its superior quality: Finely sifted all-purpose flour, chosen for its superior quality, serves as the main dry ingredient, providing structure and texture to the carrot cake.
• 1 Teaspoon of baking soda, ensuring the perfect rise: Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, ensuring that the carrot cake rises properly, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
• 1 Teaspoon of ground cinnamon, adding a warm and spicy aroma: Ground cinnamon adds a warm and spicy aroma to the carrot cake, complementing the sweetness of the carrots and enhancing the overall flavor profile.
• 1/8 Teaspoon of pink Himalayan sea salt, for a hint of mineral goodness: Pink Himalayan sea salt adds a hint of mineral goodness and balances the sweetness in the carrot cake, enhancing its overall taste.
• 1 Cup of hand-shredded vibrant carrots, adding a burst of orange color: Hand-shredded vibrant carrots not only contribute to the carrot flavor but also add a burst of orange color, making the cake visually appealing.
• 1/2 Cup of ethically sourced flaked coconut, for a tropical twist: Ethically sourced flaked coconut adds a tropical twist to the carrot cake, providing texture, moisture, and a hint of coconut flavor.
• 1/2 Cup of freshly chopped walnuts, adding a delightful crunch: Freshly chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the carrot cake, enhancing its overall texture.
• 1/2 Can of crushed pineapple with its natural juice, bringing a juicy sweetness: Crushed pineapple with its natural juice adds a juicy sweetness to the carrot cake, contributing moisture and a fruity element.
• 1/2 Cup of plump raisins, adding a chewy and sweet contrast: Plump raisins add a chewy and sweet contrast to the carrot cake, providing bursts of sweetness and texture.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan of your choice, ensuring a non-stick surface for your Costco-style carrot cake.

Step 2: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, organic white sugar, cold-pressed vegetable oil, velvety buttermilk, and pure vanilla extract. Continue whisking until the ingredients are thoroughly combined, creating a smooth and well-mixed wet mixture.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the finely sifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and pink Himalayan sea salt. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are free of lumps and well integrated for a consistent batter.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring continuously. Blend the mixture until a smooth batter forms, making sure there are no pockets of dry ingredients in the batter.

Step 5: Incorporate Carrots, Coconut, Walnuts, Pineapple, and Raisins

Gently fold in the hand-shredded carrots, ethically sourced flaked coconut, freshly chopped walnuts, crushed pineapple with its natural juice, and plump raisins. Continue mixing until these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter, creating a rich and textured mixture.

Step 6: Pour into Cake Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the batter in the preheated oven for approximately 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This step ensures that the carrot cake is thoroughly cooked and has a moist, tender texture.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the carrot cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential for setting the cake and making it easier to handle.

Step 9: Optional Frosting

You have the option to frost the cooled cake with cream cheese frosting for added richness. Alternatively, you can enjoy it as is for a lighter treat, showcasing the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Once completely cooled, slice the Costco-style carrot cake into pieces and serve. Delight in every bite as you experience the delicious blend of carrots, coconut, walnuts, and pineapple in this homemade treat!

Notes

• If you don’t have a 9-inch round cake pan, you can also use a 9×13-inch pan.
• You can also add raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates for even more flavor and texture.
• If you don’t have ground cloves, you can also use ground allspice
•  To make a cream cheese frosting, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Nutrition Information

Serving size: 1 slice

Calories: 359

Total Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 5g

Cholesterol: 45mg

Sodium: 143mg

Total Carbohydrates: 47g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 29g

Protein: 5g

Serving Suggestions

• Top with a cream cheese frosting
•  Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Sprinkle with chopped walnut
•  Drizzle with a caramel sauce
• Top with diced fresh fruit

What other substitute can I use in Costco Carrot Cake ? 

•  If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can substitute with whole wheat flour.
• If you don’t have granulated sugar, you can substitute with brown sugar.
•  If you don’t have vegetable oil, you can substitute with melted butter
•  If you don’t have walnuts, you can substitute with chopped pecans.
•  If you don’t have shredded coconut, you can substitute with chopped almonds.
•  If you don’t have crushed pineapple, you can substitute with diced apples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I store this Costco Carrot Cake? 

This Costco Carrot Cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Q2. How long does it take to bake this Costco Carrot Cake? 

This Costco Carrot Cake takes about 45 minutes to bake.

Q3. What kind of pan should I use for this Costco Carrot Cake? 

You can use a 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13-inch pan for this Costco Carrot Cake.

Q4. What kind of frosting should I use for this Costco Carrot Cake? 

You can use a cream cheese frosting for this Costco Carrot Cake. To make it, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of butter, 2 cups of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Q5. Can I freeze this Costco Carrot Cake? 

Yes, you can freeze this Costco Carrot Cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q6. Can I use other dry ingredients instead of the ones listed in the recipe?

Yes, you can use other dry ingredients in this Costco Carrot Cake. For example, you can use whole wheat flour, brown sugar, and ground allspice.

Q7. Can I use other nuts and fruits instead of the ones listed in the recipe? 

Yes, you can use other nuts and fruits in this Costco Carrot Cake. For example, you can use chopped pecans, chopped almonds, and diced apples.

Conclusion

This Costco Carrot Cake Recipe is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. It’s incredibly easy to make and it’s made with all-natural ingredients that you can find at your local Costco. 

Plus, it’s packed with nutritious carrots, so you can feel good about indulging in a slice of this sweet treat. With its moist and flavorful texture, this Costco Carrot Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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