Description
Indulge in the Ultimate Best Carrot Cake Recipe, an irresistibly moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This delightful cake is infused with juicy pineapple, nutty coconut, and a medley of spices, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting that adds a luscious creaminess, this carrot cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether it’s for a birthday celebration, holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat at home, this easy-to-follow recipe is customizable to suit your preferences. Get ready to bake a cake that not only looks stunning but also delivers on flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup moist (plump) raisins (dark or golden)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup neutral vegetable oil (Canola or safflower oil)
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 12 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature, softened)
- 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar (sifted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Toasted finely chopped nuts and toasted coconut (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, blend sugar and vegetable oil; add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla extract and crushed pineapple.
- Fold in grated carrots, coconut, raisins, and nuts until evenly mixed.
- Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients using a rubber spatula until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting: Beat cream cheese and softened butter until smooth; gradually add confectioner's sugar along with vanilla extract and lemon juice.
- Once cooled, frost the cake evenly with the cream cheese frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg