Description
This classic carrot cake recipe combines moist grated carrots and sweet pineapple with warm spices, crunchy walnuts, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly delicious, it’s a delightful treat for any occasion and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking your cake layers.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt, stirring until evenly distributed.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and eggs until well blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Add-Ins: Carefully fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts to distribute them evenly through the batter.
- Prepare Pans and Pour Batter: Grease the cake pans thoroughly, then pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake Cake: Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- Make Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
- Frost and Serve: Once the cakes are fully cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cake layers. Slice and serve your delicious carrot cake bliss.
Notes
- Ensure carrots are finely grated for a tender texture.
- Drain pineapple well to avoid excess moisture in the cake.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Chopped walnuts can be substituted with pecans or omitted for nut-free version.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
