Dad's Carrot Cake

Celebrate tradition and flavor with Dad’s Carrot Cake, a timeless dessert packed with wholesome ingredients and irresistible charm. This moist and tender cake is elevated by the natural sweetness of freshly grated carrots and crushed pineapple, perfectly complemented by warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. A rich, velvety cream cheese frosting envelops each layer, creating a delightful balance of tangy and sweet. Add a personal touch with optional chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch. With its quick prep time and classic appeal, this homemade carrot cake recipe is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting family treat. Get ready to indulge in every slice of this nostalgic, made-from-scratch delight!

Nutriscore Rating: 44/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 0.5 cups chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon milk (if needed for frosting consistency)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5

Fold in the grated carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts (if using).

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl using a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 10

Gradually add in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 11

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 12

Decorate with extra chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Step 13

Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to firm up.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2576.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8726.9

Total Fat 447.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 149.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.4g
Cholesterol 1254.7mg	0%
Sodium 4045.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1163.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.5g	0%
Total Sugars 925.4g
Protein 80.3g	0%

Vitamin D 166.2IU	0%
Calcium 744.9mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 2277.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.8%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 51.7%