Rich, moist, and full of flavor, this carrot cake has been my Mom’s signature dessert for years! ย Try this cake and you’ll immediately know why!
Deemed a seasonal cake, carrot cake has graced many a Spring table. ย I’m here to say that this cake, it should be a year-round dessert! ย So incredibly soft and moist, and topped with the most luxurious frosting… you won’t want to stop eating it!
For as long as I can remember, my Mom has been making the most delicious carrot cake… I mean this cake is requested for just about every family function. ย People rave about it, grab another piece, and continue to rave. ย It’s been the iconic dessert of my childhood, and the dessert I still ask for often ๐
My Mom makes my brother and I dessert for our birthday and always asks us if we have a request… guess what mine almost alllllways is? ย Yep, this one!
Okay, so not exactly this one… I did deviate a little from her recipe in that I made it into a two layer cake and to add some toasted coconut, mainly because I have a *slight* obsession with coconut lol.
Now I do know that some people prefer some raisins in their carrot cake, or pineapple… so feel free to add a bit of whatever you love to your cake. ย For me, I grew up on this original carrot cake, so I stickย to what I’m used to (for the most part) ๐
I thought this would be a great recipe to share with you all, since it’s coming up on Spring and Easter here soon… but really, this cake is just perfect any time of year. ย The rich moist cake combined with the lusciously creamy frosting… it’s definitely a year-round cake!
As far as the toppings on the cake, you could go with the toasted coconut like I did, or some crushed walnuts, or even leave it plain. ย Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with this carrot cake!
I really hope you all give this cake a go… I’m sure you’ll LOVE it!
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Ingredients
- CAKE:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 3 cups finely grated carrots
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts optional
- CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 - 8oz bricks of cream cheese softened
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 5-6 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- MAKE THE CAKE:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line bottoms of 2 9" cake pans with parchment paper and spray sides lightly with baking spray. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, add the flour and baking soda and whisk to combine. Set aside.
- To the bowl of a stand mixer, add oil, sugar, salt, eggs, and spices and beat well.
- Add in flour mixture and beat to combine.
- Stir in the carrots and nuts.
- Pour into prepared baking pans and bake for about 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
- MAKE THE FROSTING:
- Add butter and cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until creamy.
- Add vanilla and salt, beat to combine.
- Slowly add in powdered sugar, beating well.
- ASSEMBLE THE CAKE:
- Spread out coconut in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for several minutes, until very lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- Spread frosting over the top of one layer of the cake, then top it with the second layer of cake. Spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- Sprinkle toasted coconut around the rim of the top and around the sides of the cake.
- Keep refrigerated until about 30 minutes before serving.
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Chef Tips
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chunky Chef is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Juliet says
Hi. Iโve been making this recipe for years itโs delicious. But Iโm curious to know if I can use canola oil instead of vegetable?
The Chunky Chef says
I’ve never used canola oil in this recipe, but I think it would be okay ๐
Melissa says
This cake is amazing. It actually tastes exactly like oatmeal cream pies. I made it gluten free by using gluten free flour. Excellent cake. I made it in a 9×13 glass dish and baked it for 45 minutes. It was a bit dark but it was caramelized and perfect.
Victoria says
Can this be made in a sheet pan? Temp and time in oven?
Thanks
Vicky
The Chunky Chef says
I’ve not tested this recipe that way, so I can’t say for certain what temp or time or how well that would work.
Sally says
I made this this morning for our family’s Easter dinner. It was a hit..liked by everyone. I added crushed pineapple drained very well. Loved the frosting too. Would I be able to find the parchment paper in the shape of the cake pans? I only had the sheets on hand which took me a while to get a good cut. Does Hobby Lobby or Michael’s have them? Thank you for a great recipe!
The Chunky Chef says
I’m glad to hear everyone enjoyed this recipe! I believe Jo-Ann has parchment rounds, but am not sure if Hobby Lobby or Michael’s have them (and of course this will vary based on where you live). I do know they’re on amazon though (https://amzn.to/3o2g9d9) ๐
Cara says
Hi! Love this cake I make it every Easter! Family favorite! I am making this Friday for Sunday. Any tips on storing? Can I put my cakes in the freezer? Should I just put them n plastic wrap and then keep cakes and frosting n fridge and assemble day of? Thanks!
The Chunky Chef says
So glad you love the cake! You can freeze the cakes (without the frosting), or you can wrap them in plastic wrap, refrigerate, and assemble the day of, it’s all up to you. I would probably just refrigerate, since it’s just 2 days ๐