Costco Carrot Cake Made at Home (No Mixer Needed)

A Simple Way to Make Costco Carrot Cake at Home

If you’re looking for a Costco carrot cake recipe that’s moist, rich, and bakery-style, this homemade version comes very close. It’s soft, lightly spiced, and topped with classic cream cheese frosting, just like the cake people rush to grab at Costco.

I’ve baked carrot cake more times than I can count, and this one honestly surprised me. The texture stays tender, the sweetness is balanced, and it still tastes great the next day (which doesn’t always happen in my kitchen).

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Costco-Style Carrot Cake

A recipe for Costco carrot cake copycat works best when you stick to simple, familiar ingredients. You’ll need grated carrots, all-purpose flour, eggs, sugar, oil, cinnamon, baking soda, vanilla, and cream cheese for the frosting.

For that signature moisture, crushed pineapple is key. This turns it into a true homemade Costco carrot cake recipe with pineapple. I picked this up after testing versions inspired by the carrot cake recipes from Food Fusion and Cake N Co. Moisture always wins.

How to Make Costco Carrot Cake (Step by Step)

To make Costco carrot cake at home, mix the wet ingredients first and add the dry ones gently. This keeps the cake soft instead of dense.

Whisk eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla. Fold in grated carrots and crushed pineapple. In another bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Combine all the ingredients slowly, then pour the mixture into pans and bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

This homemade Costco carrot cake recipe is easy enough for beginners. I’ve overmixed before (oops), and it still turned out pretty good—which tells you how forgiving it is.

Cream Cheese Frosting: The Costco Finish

The frosting is what makes this feel like the real deal. Beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

If the frosting feels too soft, chill it briefly. I used to think frosting was optional. I was wrong. This step is what pushes it into the best homemade Costco carrot cake recipe territory.

Tips, Variations, and Pineapple Options

For the best homemade Costco carrot cake recipe with pineapple, don’t squeeze the pineapple completely dry. A little juice keeps the cake moist.

You can add walnuts for crunch or skip them for a smoother texture. I’ve also tested ideas inspired by the carrot cake recipe from Huma in the Kitchen, and one rule stands out every time: don’t overmix. Ever.

Frequently Asked Questions About Costco Carrot Cake

Is this the real Costco carrot cake recipe?
It’s a copycat. Costco doesn’t release its exact recipe, but this one closely matches the taste and texture.

Why does this recipe use pineapple?
Pineapple adds moisture and gentle sweetness, which is why a Costco carrot cake recipe with pineapple works so well.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have settled.

Can I bake it as a sheet cake?
Absolutely. Just adjust the baking time and check the center.

Final Thoughts on This Homemade Costco Carrot Cake Recipe

This homemade Costco carrot cake recipe is moist, flavorful, and easy enough for home bakers. It delivers the same bakery-style experience without needing a Costco run.

If you’ve been searching for how to make Costco carrot cake that actually tastes right, this recipe is a solid place to start. Bake it once, and it might just become your go-to carrot cake.