Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly blends flavors and textures. It’s an ideal dessert for various occasions, from birthdays to casual gatherings. One of the best things about Carrot Cake is its versatility. You can easily customize it with your favorite nuts or add tropical flavors with pineapple and coconut. Plus, it’s simple enough for both novice and seasoned bakers to whip up!

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 12
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Calories: 350
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 230mg

Why Make Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake is not only delicious but also has a hint of healthiness thanks to the carrots. In addition, it comes packed with nutritious ingredients like walnuts and pineapple. This cake is a wonderful way to enjoy a dessert while sneaking in some fruits and veggies. The combination of spices brings warmth and depth to its flavor, making it a comforting choice for any time of the year.

How to Make Carrot Cake Step by Step

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 cups grated carrots
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, beat sugars and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts, and shredded coconut if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting or serving.

How to Serve Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the experience by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream. Pairing it with a light citrus salad makes for a refreshing contrast. For those looking for something rich, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.

How to Store Carrot Cake

To keep your Carrot Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week this way. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!

Expert Tips for Cooking Carrot Cake

• Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and flavor.
• Don’t over-mix the batter, as this can lead to a denser cake.
• If you prefer a spicier cake, consider adding a pinch of ginger for an extra kick.
• Make sure to drain the crushed pineapple well to avoid a soggy cake.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Delicious Variations of Carrot Cake

For those looking to mix things up, try adding orange zest or lemon juice for a refreshing citrus twist. You can also experiment with different nuts, such as pecans or almonds, or even make a gluten-free version using almond or coconut flour. For a richer flavor, consider adding cocoa powder for a chocolatey carrot cake.

Carrot Cake truly is a dessert that deserves a spot on your table. Its rich flavor, ease of preparation, and adaptability make it a fantastic choice for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or with toppings, this cake will surely impress all those who taste it!

Carrot Cake

A delightful and versatile dessert perfect for various occasions, packed with flavors and textures from carrots, nuts, and spices.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups grated carrots Use freshly grated for the best flavor.
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained Ensure it is well-drained to avoid sogginess.
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts Optional.
• 0.5 cup shredded coconut Optional.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, beat sugars and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
5. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts, and shredded coconut if using.

Baking

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting or serving.

Notes

Carrot Cake can be served plain, with whipped cream, or alongside vanilla ice cream. For variations, consider adding orange zest or using different nuts. Make sure to store in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.