Description
A deliciously moist carrot cake made with fresh ingredients, a hint of pineapple, and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them with a bit of butter and lightly flouring them.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the vegetable oil and eggs until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If desired, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Bake the cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick.
- Cool the cakes: Let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
- Assemble the cake: Frost one layer on a serving plate, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate and serve: Optionally decorate with additional nuts or grated carrot. Slice and serve.
Notes
Pair with coffee or tea for an enhanced experience. Can be served with extra cream cheese frosting or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: carrot cake, dessert, baking, cream cheese frosting, easy recipe