Description
This Easy and Ultra Moist Carrot Cake features a tender crumb enriched with crushed pineapple, grated carrots, and warm cinnamon. Moist and flavorful, it is topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 440g / 20 oz can crushed pineapple (drained but RESERVE juice)
- 1/4 cup (65 ml) reserved canned pineapple juice
- 3/4 cup (185 ml) milk (at room temperature, full or low fat)
- 1 tsp white vinegar (or lemon juice or other clear vinegar)
- 3 eggs (55g/2oz each)
- 1 1/2 cups (265g) brown sugar (loosely packed)
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) vegetable oil (or canola)
- 2 cups (300g) plain/all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda (NOT baking powder)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 2 cups grated carrot (about 2 carrots, peeled)
- 1/4 cup shredded or desiccated coconut (plain/unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 180g / 6oz cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 225g / 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups (480g) icing sugar / powdered sugar (sifted if clumpy)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F. Grease and line two 20-22.5 cm (8-9 inch) round pans or one 9 x 13 inch (22 x 33 cm) pan with baking/parchment paper for easy removal.
- Drain Pineapple and Reserve Juice: Thoroughly drain the crushed pineapple and set aside the juice. Measure out 1/4 cup of the reserved pineapple juice to use later in the batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon powder, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, white vinegar, eggs, vegetable oil, and 1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add Carrot, Pineapple, Coconut, and Nuts: Stir grated carrot, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped walnuts or pecans into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to combine.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and gently stir until just combined and no flour pockets remain. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fill Pans and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake round cakes for 35 minutes or the rectangular cake for 40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cakes to rest in the pans for 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese, softened butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar in two batches and beat on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until the frosting is fluffy and creamy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer upside down on a serving platter to ensure a flat surface. Spread one-third of the frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake upside down on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container. If the temperature is below 25°C (77°F) and humidity is low, it can be stored at room temperature. If it is warmer or very humid, refrigerate to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Note 1: Reserve pineapple juice for added moisture and flavor.
- Note 2: Vinegar helps to react with baking soda for rise; lemon juice or other clear vinegar can be substituted.
- Note 3: Use baking soda, not baking powder, for proper leavening.
- Note 4: Freshly grated carrots give the best texture and moisture.
- Note 5: Cream cheese should be at room temperature for smooth frosting.
- Note 6: Sift powdered sugar if clumpy to avoid lumps in frosting.
- Note 7: Greasing and lining pans prevents sticking and aids removal.
- Note 8: Proper storage considering temperature and humidity preserves cake freshness and frosting quality.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: carrot cake, moist carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, easy carrot cake, pineapple carrot cake, homemade dessert
