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Close-up of a carrot cake old fashioned cocktail with a cinnamon stick garnish

Old Fashioned Carrot Cake


  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

A classic, moist carrot cake made with grated carrots, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, this old fashioned carrot cake combines traditional flavors with a tender crumb and luscious frosting.


Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots (about 45 medium carrots)
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)


Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar and oil mixture, beating well after each addition.
Stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
Turn the cakes out onto wire racks and cool completely.
To prepare the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter together in a large bowl until creamy and smooth.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes