Description
This moist and flavorful carrot cake is a timeless dessert, perfect for any occasion. With a rich blend of carrots, crushed pineapple, and a hint of cinnamon, topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s a show-stopper that everyone will love.
Ingredients
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups (200g) finely grated carrots
1 cup (120g) crushed pineapple, drained
½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups (375-500g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
To Make the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add the vegetable oil and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and optional lemon juice for extra flavor.
To Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
- Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake.
- Decorate with additional chopped nuts or grated carrots, if desired.
Notes
- For extra moistness, use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-packaged ones.
- Drain the pineapple thoroughly to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
- The frosting can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Bring to room temperature before using.
- Adjust the powdered sugar in the frosting to achieve your desired level of sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg