Description
Indulge in the Best Carrot Cake Recipe, a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the tropical notes of pineapple and coconut. This moist cake is enhanced by crunchy nuts and plump raisins, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion—whether it’s a birthday celebration or a cozy afternoon snack. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike. Its simple preparation allows bakers of all skill levels to create a stunning dessert that is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Get ready to savor each bite of this classic favorite!
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 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 grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the grated carrots, shredded coconut, raisins, and chopped nuts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar and vegetable oil until smooth. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, and add vanilla extract and crushed pineapple.
- Gradually combine the wet and dry mixtures until just blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool before preparing the frosting by mixing the cream cheese and butter until smooth; gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
- Frost the cooled cake generously.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg