Description
A beloved dessert featuring moist texture, rich flavors, and creamy frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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 butter and lightly flouring them.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are fully combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat together the vegetable oil and eggs until they are smooth and well combined. Then, stir in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to over-mix. If you like nuts, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.
- Bake the cakes: Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the frosting: While the cakes are cooling, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a bowl until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until you achieve a creamy consistency.
- Frost the cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of the cream cheese frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosted layer. Use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Decorate: If desired, decorate the top of the cake with additional nuts or even some grated carrot for a beautiful finish.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the cake and serve it to your friends and family. Enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade Ultimate Carrot Cake!
Notes
Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor. Customize the frosting with flavors like lemon or orange zest.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg