Print

To Die For Carrot Cake

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup applesauce or vegetable oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups grated fresh carrots (about 4–5 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (8 oz) drained crushed pineapple

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

 

  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Chopped pecans or toasted coconut for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round pans.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat applesauce (or oil) and sugar until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Stir in vanilla.
  • Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  • Make the Batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
  • Add Mix-Ins: Fold in grated carrots, coconut, nuts (if using), and drained pineapple until evenly distributed.
  • Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan(s). Bake 40-45 minutes for sheet cake or 30-35 minutes for layers, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool: Let cool in pan 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make Frosting: Beat butter and cream cheese until fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. Mix in vanilla.
  • Frost: Once cake is completely cool, spread frosting evenly over top (and sides if making layers). Garnish with pecans or coconut if desired.

 

  • Serve: Slice and enjoy at room temperature.

Find it online: https://easyrecipebooks.com/to-die-for-carrot-cake/