The Best Carrot Cake In Every State
Carrot cake, the delicious treat that is traditionally made with grated carrots, warm spices, and a mouthwatering cream cheese frosting, proves that a ho-hum vegetable can be transformed into an incredible cake. Seriously, who knew that carrots would work out so well as a dessert?
As it turns out, historians believe that carrot cake has roots in the Middle Ages, and is a dessert descendant of the carrot puddings that Europeans used to eat during this time. Although variations of this treat have existed throughout the years, carrot cake especially exploded in the United Kingdom during World War II because of rationing. Nowadays, it seems like no one can get enough of this carrot confection.
It's always handy to know exactly where the best carrot cake can be found nearby, which is why we put together this list of the best carrot cakes in every state. From versions that are chock full of nuts and pineapple to others that are imaginative variations of a classic (waffled carrot cake, anyone?) here are some of the best carrot cake options out there.
Plus, always be sure to skip the 8 Worst Fast-Food Burgers to Stay Away From Right Now.
ALABAMA: Nothing Bundt Cakes in Birmingham
Nothing But Bundt Cakes has a Birmingham location that makes a delectable carrot cake with pieces of carrot and pineapple baked throughout. According to one Yelp reviewer, it has also achieved the perfect cake to icing ratio: "Just the right amount of icing!! My absolute favorites are carrot cake & red velvet cake!!"
ALASKA: Alaska Cake Studio in Anchorage
Alaska Cake Studio is Anchorage's multi-functional bakery that not only makes some of the best sweets in the state, but also offers baking and chocolate-making classes. A customer favorite of theirs is the carrot cake, which can also be made gluten-free.
ARIZONA: Ocean Prime in Phoenix
We love more of a good thing—especially when it comes to carrot cake. Ocean Prime's carrot cake has not one, not two, but 10 (yes, you read that right) layers to it. Each layer is thoughtfully prepared with a sweet cream cheese frosting and a syrupy pineapple sauce that will blow your mind. One Yelp reviewer is such a fan that they wrote, "You can't leave without the mile high carrot cake," while another confessed that "the cake was a dream come true."
ARKANSAS: Cafe 1217 in Hot Springs
Cafe 1217 has a carrot cake so exquisite that Yelp reviewers have described it as "top notch", "decadent", and even "unbelievably delicious". We suggest enjoying a slice of this must-have dessert with an order of Cafe 1217's creamy tomato bisque, which also has rave reviews.
CALIFORNIA: Susie Cakes in Los Angeles
Susie Cakes, the old-fashioned bakery that uses only the finest ingredients, makes a carrot cake that is reminiscent of grandma's. Made with pecans and golden raisins, and stuffed with their very own praline filling, this scrumptious dessert is a hit among locals. "They really, really do have the best carrot cakes ever! It's always delicious, fresh, and moist," exclaimed one Yelp reviewer, while another confided, "[I] ordered a carrot cake with a customized icing message for a birthday. Was a hit even among non-carrot cake fans."
COLORADO: Cake Crumbs Bakery and Cafe in Denver
For years, Cake Crumbs has been baking up delicious desserts for Denver's historic Park Hill neighborhood. A favorite among many is their carrot cake, which customers gush about. "I readily admit the carrot cake is absolutely delicious!!!!" reads one Yelp review, "Moist, bursting with plump fruit, and perfect frosting."
CONNECTICUT: Trumbull Kitchen in Hartford
Trumbull Kitchen's Waffled Carrot Cake is an inventive spin on an old classic. Made using a waffled carrot cake topped with toasted coconut, vanilla ice cream, and cream cheese icing, this dessert is unbelievably good. Yelp reviewers like it so much that they have described this unique treat as "the best carrot cake ever" and "guaranteed to close your meal on a high note."
DELAWARE: Sweet Somethings in Wilmington
According to one Yelp reviewer, every one of their partygoers unanimously agreed that Sweet Somethings has some of the best carrot cake around: "The cake tasted outstanding, the best carrot cake I have ever had!" the Yelp reviewer wrote, "All 80 of my guests agreed."
FLORIDA: Fireman Derek's Bake Shop in Miami
Fireman Derek's Bake Shop is lauded by the Miami community for its delicious dishes, welcoming atmosphere, and noteworthy desserts—such as their moist carrot cake. "The carrot cake was so soft and fresh; again the best carrot cake I've ever had," one Yelper wrote, while another poster shared, "We crave this place!! The best carrot cake I've had in my life!!"
GEORGIA: Southern Sweets in Decatur
Located on Rio Circle is Southern Sweets Bakery, a Georgia mainstay that has been making some of the best cakes around since 1992. A favorite among the community is the bakery's Vegan Carrot Spice Cake, which is adorned with beautiful ribboned frosting and chopped nuts. "The cakes are awesome," one Yelp reviewer raved, "especially the carrot cake!"
HAWAII: The Coffee Shack in Hawaii
The family-owned Coffee Shack not only has some of the best views in Hawaii, but makes some incredible sweet treats, too. One of people's favorites is the carrot cake, which has been described by Yelpers as "outstanding."
IDAHO: Certified Kitchen and Bakery in Boise
Certified Kitchen and Bakery, housed in a historic building that was once home to a rug and cleaner company, makes a carrot cake you will not soon forget. Named the Criminal Carrot Cake, it would be criminal if you came here and didn't try a slice. "The carrot cake was one of the BEST I've had in a very long time!" one Yelp reviewer posted, while another shared that the "carrot cake is worth every calorie."
ILLINOIS: Magnolia Bakery in Chicago
As it turns out, Magnolia Bakery, the iconic New York bakery chain that was founded over two decades ago, is also a favorite in Chicago. Their menu is full of must-try options, such as their famous banana pudding, but their carrot cake is where many customers' loyalty lies. "We ordered a carrot cake for my boss's birthday and it was DIVINE!" one Yelp reviewer declared, while another Yelper gave the delicious cake a perfect score, "Their carrot cake is definitely 5-star worthy!"
INDIANA: The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rodgers in Indianapolis
The Cake Bake Shop's carrot cake, made without nuts or raisins, is an elegant take on a tried and true classic. One Yelper loved their cake so much that they wrote, "Delicious carrot cake!!!! Carrot cake was so moist!!! Pricey BUT the atmosphere makes it worth it. Loved the decor." Hint: Make sure if you stop at The Cake Bake Shop to have your dessert to-stay—the bakery puts up gorgeous seasonal decor that you definitely do not want to miss.
IOWA: The Cafe in Ames
Iowa's The Cafe makes a carrot cake that has a bit of an edge to it. For starters, it is served with a homemade caramel sauce that people absolutely love. "Oh, best carrot cake, and I care about my carrot cake," one Yelp reviewer posted.
KANSAS: Firebirds Wood Fired Grill in Wichita
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill's carrot cake, which is served warm with salted caramel sauce, is all types of amazing. Be sure to order it after trying out their Bleu Cheese Filet or Pineapple Chicken, which are both equally amazing.
KENTUCKY: Sweet Surrender Dessert Cafe in Louisville
Sweet Surrender, the popular Louisville bakery, has a rotating cake menu that is full of exciting options, such as Buckeye Torte, Mocha Concorde, and Italian Cream Cake. However, it is their vegan carrot cake that has people talking. "The vegan carrot cake was the best carrot cake I've ever had—very moist, not too sweet with delicious and plentiful frosting. Highly recommended, even to non-vegans!" a Yelp reviewer shared, while another just simply posted, "Carrot cake. That is all!" Hint: Be sure to call ahead for cake specials as they change daily.
LOUISIANA: Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar in New Orleans
Superior Seafood, the historic New Orleans haunt, is loved not only for its delicious seafood offerings (try the crawfish cornbread) but also for its sumptuous carrot cake. As one Yelp reviewer stated, "They made my birthday awesome with the best carrot cake I've had. Definitely the best carrot cake in New Orleans."
MAINE: Two Fat Cats Bakery in Portland
Two Fat Cats Bakery, the quaint bakeshop that has been featured on the Food Network and written up in the New York Times, is known for its delicious scratch-made carrot cake. One TripAdvisor reviewer excitedly shared that the cake is "decadent and worth every bite!"
MARYLAND: Midnite Confections in Baltimore
There are no shortages of positive Yelp reviews for Midnite Confection's exceptional carrot cake cupcake named the "Playboy". "The carrot cake…oh man. I love carrot cake but this was an epiphany," reminisced one Yelp reviewer. Another was so pleased that they posted, "I tried the carrot cake first. I'm pretty sure I died and went to heaven."
MASSACHUSETTS: Sweet Tooth in Boston
Sweet Tooth's carrot cake cupcakes have won awards, so you know they are going to be good. As one Yelp reviewer puts it, "You absolutely MUST get the carrot cake cupcake with the vanilla cream cheese icing or you will be missing out!"
MICHIGAN: For the Love of Sugar in Detroit
Some Yelp reviewers joke that For the Love of Sugar's carrot cake is so good it is literally out of this world. "The carrot cake is next level," a Yelp reviewer posted, "The cakes have to be the result of alien technology…"
MINNESOTA: Sarah Jane's Bakery in Minneapolis
Sarah Jane's Bakery is the welcoming family-owned bakeshop that makes some of Minneapolis's most delicious confections. A must-have on their menu is the carrot cake cupcakes and cakes that are made sans raisins and nuts. One Yelp reviewer is such a fan of the shop that they exclaimed, "Sarah Jane makes the BEST carrot cupcakes and cakes around."
MISSISSIPPI: French Kiss Pastries in Ocean Springs
French Kiss Pastries has mini single-portion carrot cakes that are not only adorable, but also delicious. Made without raisins and topped with a cream cheese frosting, this perfectly-sized dessert is one not to miss.
MISSOURI: Jack Stack Barbecue in Kansas City
If you want to try some of the best carrot cake in Missouri then you have to go somewhere unexpected—Jack Stack Barbecue, the neighborhood barbecue joint. One Yelp reviewer loves the carrot cake there so much that they shared via their post, "And do not…I repeat…do not leave without having the carrot cake…It's heavenly."
MONTANA: Rumour Restaurant in Missoula
Rumour Restaurant's carrot cake, which is listed as "Nan's Carrot Cake" on their menu, is so good that one TripAdvisor reviewer described it as "in a league of its own." Made with pecans and cream cheese frosting, this delectable dessert is the perfect way to round out any meal at Rumour.
NEBRASKA: M's Pub in Omaha
M'S Pub, which has been serving the Omaha community since the 1970s, whips up a homemade carrot cake that could rival your mother's. Made with pecan fondant layers and enrobed in a cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake is one of a kind. As one Yelp reviewer puts it, "The best carrot cake in Omaha!! Can't say the best ever cause then my mom would hate me!!"
NEVADA: Bouchon Bakery in Las Vegas
Bouchon Bakery is the highly acclaimed Las Vegas bakeshop that is found right in The Venetian. This sophisticated bakery, which is known for its Parisian-style treats and tasty lunch items, also makes some of Nevada's most scrumptious carrot cake. "They have the BEST carrot cake EVER," one Yelp reviewer raves, "Like ever. It's amazing. The end."
NEW HAMPSHIRE: The Black Forest Cafe in Amherst
No visit to The Black Forest Cafe in Amherst is complete without a slice of their wonderful carrot cake. One Yelp reviewer shared that they think this moist dessert is "top of the line".
NEW JERSEY: Sweet in Hoboken
Located right across the river from New York City is Sweet, the Hoboken bakery that specializes in scratch-made baked goods. Whether you grab one of their carrot cake cupcakes to go or place an order for their carrot cakes to serve at a birthday party, you will not be disappointed.
NEW MEXICO: Tune-Up Cafe in Santa Fe
If you are in New Mexico and are looking for the best place for a fantastic slice of carrot cake then you have to head over to Tune-Up Cafe. Customers love it so much that one of them posted on Yelp, "The carrot cake was incredibly moist and [had] a nice denseness. Not too sweet, in the best way." And at just $5, this dessert is practically a steal.
NEW YORK: Lloyd's Carrot Cake in New York City
Oh Lloyd's, how we love thee. Lloyd's Carrot Cake has been an iconic New York City mainstay since its inception in 1985. Year after year they churn out amazingly moist, incredibly delicious carrot cakes that are available in all different sizes and variations—with nuts, without nuts, they can make it happen. Many reviewers on Yelp describe this perfect dessert as some of "the best carrot cake" they have ever tasted.
NORTH CAROLINA: The Pit in Raleigh
The Pit, the popular barbecue restaurant that is situated in Raleigh's warehouse district, is also known for its carrot cake. "I've had carrot cakes all over the country and this has got to be the best one—it just melts in your mouth," one Yelp reviewer declared.
NORTH DAKOTA: MacKenzie River Pizza, Grill, and Pub in Bismarck
MacKenzie River Pizza, which has locations throughout the U.S., makes a carrot cake that is packed with warm spices, pineapple, raisins, and a delicious cream cheese frosting. You can also add caramel sauce and chocolate sauce, or make it a la mode if you are looking for an even sweeter treat.
OHIO: The Guild House in Columbus
The Guild House's carrot cake dessert, which one TripAdvisor reviewer described as coming complete with "a cream cheese icing, carrot anglaise, candied almonds and raisins," is an elevated way to enjoy this timeless treat. Tip: Be sure to call ahead to make sure it is available as the menu does change.
OKLAHOMA: Cheever's Cafe in Oklahoma City
Cheever's Cafe, the storied Oklahoma City eatery, makes an impressionable carrot cake that will leave you wanting more. Their offering, which they call the Giant Carrot Cake, is a six-layered mega-sized treat that is filled with luscious cream cheese icing. Trust us, one bite and you will be talking about this cake for days. "Their carrot cake is sooooo good! If only I could live off that," one Yelp reviewer posted.
OREGON: Piece of Cake Bakery in Portland
Piece of Cake's exceptional carrot cake, which is made with juicy pineapple and adorned with mini carrots, has been applauded as some of the best carrot cake in Oregon. Hint: Piece of Cake also has vegan and gluten-free versions of this cake available for purchase.
PENNSYLVANIA: Oakmont Bakery in Oakmont
If you try the carrot cake at Oakmont Bakery in Oakmont be prepared to think fondly of it for the rest of your life. Made with carrots, walnuts, pineapple, and mouth-watering cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake blows all the other ones out of the water. One Yelp reviewer stated that "it was pretty much the best carrot cake" that they have ever had.
RHODE ISLAND: Pastiche Fine Desserts in Providence
Pastiche, the quaint European-style cafe, has a carrot cake on their menu that checks off all boxes. Filled with carrots, coconut, walnuts, and pineapple, this carrot cake is bursting with flavor. "Carrot cake is like no other—moist, fresh and delicious, with just enough sweetness to the light icing. Winner!" one Yelp reviewer excitedly posted.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Carmella's in Charleston
Carmella's is Charleston's buzzy dessert bar that serves delicious breakfast and lunch food items alongside incredible desserts, such as carrot cake. Made using a smooth cream cheese frosting covered in candied pecans, the carrot cake is one of the most popular treats here. One Yelp reviewer loves it so much that all they wrote in their review was, "THE CARROT CAKEEEEEEEEEE."
SOUTH DAKOTA: Cheyenne Crossing in Lead
Cheyenne's Crossing, the award-winning eatery nestled right in the gorgeous Spearfish Canyon, makes a carrot cake that tastes like heaven. Their Tavern Style Carrot Cake, as it is listed on the menu, is full of slivered carrots, pineapple, and walnuts, and is covered in a cream cheese frosting and caramel drizzle. As one Yelp reviewer puts it, "Best. Carrot. Cake. Ever."
TENNESSEE: The Cupcake Collection in Nashville
The Cupcake Collection, located near downtown Nashville, makes an exceptional carrot cake cupcake that may soon become your new favorite sweet. Made using carrots, pineapple, raisins, and coconut, these carrot cupcakes are a showstopper.
TEXAS: Dessert Gallery in Houston
Dessert Gallery's carrot cake has been lauded by the Houston Press as "absolutely spectacular." Packed with cinnamon, fresh carrots, and pecans, and made without raisins, this delicious dessert is a dream come true. "I've had carrot cakes all over the world and I can easily say this place has one of the best I've ever had," one Yelp reviewer shared, "Loved it!!"
UTAH: Tulie Bakery in Salt Lake City
Tulie Bakery's decadent carrot cake is available as either a double or triple layer, and is topped with mouth-watering sweet cream cheese buttercream. Yelp reviewers have described it as "moist," "yummy," and "the best" they've ever had.
VERMONT: The Anchor in Wilmington
The Anchor, the well-known Wilmington seafood grille, makes a carrot cake that people cannot get enough of. Homemade and bursting with flavor, one Tripadvisor reviewer wrote, "Homemade carrot cake [was] 5 stars. Recommend 100%."
VIRGINIA: Graze on Main in Wytheville
Graze on Main, the beautifully designed restaurant in Wytheville's Bolling Wilson Hotel, makes an outstanding carrot cake that is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. One Yelp reviewer shared that "the carrot cake is absolutely top five in the world," while another advised that "the famous carrot cake is a must!!!"
WASHINGTON: Bakery Nouveau in Seattle
The award-winning Bakery Nouveau in Seattle makes a luscious carrot cake that is filled with minced carrots and dates, and is covered in a cream cheese icing with a shredded coconut garnish. "OMGOODNESS! We just freaking tried the carrot cake. The taste buds are having a party. PLEASE, PLEASE! PLEASE try this amazing place," one Yelp reviewer excitedly posted.
WEST VIRGINIA: Cathedral Cafe in Fayetteville
The incredible Cathedral Cafe, which is housed in a gorgeous church, makes an award-winning carrot cake that is chock full of pecans, pineapple, and coconut. One TripAdvisor reviewer stated, "The carrot cake was phenomenal and the perfect end to our lunch."
WISCONSIN: Buckley's Bar and Restaurant in Milwaukee
Stop by Buckley's in Milwaukee if you are looking for a fantastic carrot cake that surpasses all the others in terms of both texture and taste. Made using walnuts, pineapple, and a cream cheese buttercream frosting, this cake can easily be enjoyed at any time of the day.
WYOMING: Sweet Melissa Cafe in Laramie
Sweet Melissa Cafe, the cozy eatery that is painted a playful hue, bakes a carrot cake that people cannot get enough of. Enjoy it with an order of one of Sweet Melissa Cafe's vegetarian offerings, such as their three-bean chili or cauliflower melt.
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