Decadent Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Description
Delight in the rich, moist texture of this Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, an irresistible dessert that combines the warm flavors of cinnamon and carrot with the smooth, creamy sweetness of a classic cream cheese frosting. This recipe is perfect for sharing at gatherings, birthdays, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests with a homemade treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll be savoring each slice in no time.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Servings: 12
- Rating: ★★★★★ (1 review)
Ingredients
The following tables list the quantities and parts of the ingredients needed to create this delicious carrot cake:
Ingredient Quantities
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Sugar |
| ½ cup | Eggs |
| 3 tsp | Vanilla |
| 2 ¼ cups | Flour |
| 2 tsp | Cinnamon |
| 2 tsp | Baking Soda |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1 cup | Coconut (shredded) |
| 2 cups | Carrot (shredded) |
| 1 can | Crushed Pineapple (drained) |
| 1 cup | Walnuts (chopped) |
| 8 oz | Cream Cheese |
| ½ cup | Butter |
| 2 tsp | Vanilla |
| 3-4 cups | Powdered Sugar |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 677.1 |
| Total Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 94 mg |
| Sodium | 544.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 89.4 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g |
| Sugars | 67.2 g |
| Protein | 6.7 g |
Instructions
Creating your Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure the best results:
-
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of sugar, ½ cup of oil, 3 eggs, and 3 tsp of vanilla. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, blend these ingredients together until smooth and well incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the 2 ¼ cups of flour, 2 tsp of cinnamon, 2 tsp of baking soda, and 1 tsp of salt. This will ensure that your dry ingredients are evenly mixed and will help the cake rise properly.
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser cake.
-
Incorporate Shredded Ingredients:
- Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded coconut, 2 cups of shredded carrot, 1 can of drained crushed pineapple, and 1 cup of chopped walnuts into the batter. These ingredients will add texture and moisture to your cake, enhancing its flavor and richness.
-
Bake the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Pour the prepared batter into the pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking.
-
Cool the Cake:
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes. This allows it to set and makes it easier to remove without breaking. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, combine 8 oz of cream cheese, ½ cup of softened butter, 2 tsp of vanilla, and 3-4 cups of powdered sugar. Beat these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. The amount of powdered sugar can be adjusted depending on your desired sweetness and frosting thickness.
-
Frost the Cake:
- Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some additional chopped walnuts on top or decorate with a few carrot decorations for a festive look.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the cake into 12 equal pieces and serve it to your guests. This Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for any occasion, and its delightful flavors will surely leave everyone wanting more.
Conclusion
This Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is not only a delicious dessert that is sure to please a crowd, but it also brings together the wonderful flavors of carrot and spices, making it a perfect choice for celebrations, gatherings, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is a delightful way to indulge in homemade goodness. Be sure to share your experience and enjoy the sweet moments it creates!
