Diane's Carrot Cake
Soft, moist, and bursting with flavor, Diane's Carrot Cake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. This classic recipe features a perfectly spiced batter made with freshly grated carrots, crushed pineapple for natural sweetness, and optional nuts for a delightful crunch. Topped with a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting, this two-layer cake is as beautiful as it is delicious. With its easy-to-follow instructions, 25 minutes of prep time, and a bake time of just 40 minutes, it’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers. Whether you're making it for a holiday gathering, birthday celebration, or just because, Diane's Carrot Cake is sure to impress. Serve it with a dusting of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of shredded carrots for a stunning presentation. Search-friendly and crowd-approved, this carrot cake is a must-try recipe for dessert lovers everywhere!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 0.75 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
Step 3
In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
Step 4
Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5
Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts (if using) gently until evenly distributed.
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 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9
To prepare the cream cheese frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
Step 10
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, while mixing on low speed. Once all the sugar is added, mix in the vanilla extract and beat until the frosting is fluffy.
Step 11
Once the cake layers are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake as desired.
Step 12
Garnish with additional chopped nuts or shredded carrots if desired. Slice and serve. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (2551.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 9041.9 |
| Total Fat 486.0g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 152.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 134.4g | |
| Cholesterol 1253.4mg | 0% |
| Sodium 5676.8mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 1152.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 35.0g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 921.1g | |
| Protein 82.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 222.3IU | 0% |
| Calcium 672.7mg | 0% |
| Iron 22.6mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2261.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories