Description
A moist and spiced carrot cake packed with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts, topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for silkier texture)
- Whole pecans or chopped nuts for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease/flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, coconut, nuts (if using), and vanilla extract.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For cream cheese frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream if using.
- Assemble the cake by spreading frosting between layers and on the outside. Refrigerate briefly and apply a thicker final coat of frosting, decorating as desired.
- Top with whole pecans or chopped nuts.
Notes
For the best flavor and moisture, use fresh grated carrots. You may substitute cream cheese with a buttercream frosting if preferred.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: carrot cake, dessert, cream cheese frosting, baking, sweet treat