Save It A whimsically moist carrot cake bursting with flavor and crowned with a playful, over-the-top cream cheese frosting.
I first baked this silly carrot cake for a spring picnic where everyone appreciated its riot of colors and unpredictable mix-ins. The frosting especially got a lot of laughs with those rainbow sprinkles and pecans.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1 ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp
- Ground ginger: ½ tsp
- Granulated sugar: 1 ¼ cups (250 g)
- Light brown sugar: ½ cup (100 g), packed
- Vegetable oil: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Eggs: 4 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Grated carrots: 2 ½ cups (250 g)
- Chopped walnuts: ½ cup (60 g)
- Shredded coconut: ½ cup (50 g)
- Crushed pineapple: ½ cup (80 g), well-drained
- Golden raisins: ½ cup (80 g)
- Cream cheese: 8 oz (225 g), softened
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup (115 g), softened
- Vanilla extract (for frosting): 1 tsp
- Orange marmalade: 2 tbsp
- Powdered sugar: 3 cups (360 g), sifted
- Rainbow sprinkles: ½ cup (60 g)
- Chopped pecans: ⅓ cup (40 g), optional
Instructions
- Prep the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Mixtures:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until mostly combined.
- Add Mix-ins:
- Gently fold in grated carrots, walnuts, coconut, pineapple, and raisins until evenly distributed.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool Cakes:
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add vanilla and orange marmalade, mixing well. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Fun:
- Fold in half the sprinkles and pecans (if using) for a riot of color and texture.
- Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer over it and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate:
- Scatter the remaining sprinkles and extra pecans over the cake for a truly chaotic finish.
Save It This cake has become a birthday tradition for us. Kids love adding the sprinkles while grandma sneaks extra coconut for fun.
Required Tools
Two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans, mixing bowls, electric mixer, whisk, spatula, and cooling rack are needed for this recipe.
Allergen Information
The cake includes eggs, wheat flour (gluten), dairy, walnuts, and optional pecans. Always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination risks if allergies are present.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 470 calories, 25 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
Save It Serve the cake with spiced chai or Moscato for a truly festive finish. Enjoy every chaotic bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices enhance the carrot cake's flavor?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger combine to provide warm, aromatic notes that complement the grated carrots perfectly.
- → How do I ensure the cake stays moist?
Incorporating crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and a balance of sugars helps maintain a moist texture throughout baking.
- → Can I substitute the nuts in the cake?
Yes, walnuts can be swapped for pistachios or omitted entirely for a nut-free option, adding extra coconut or raisins instead.
- → What makes the frosting 'chaotic'?
The cream cheese frosting is enlivened with orange marmalade and decorated with colorful sprinkles and chopped pecans, creating a lively texture and flavor contrast.
- → What are good beverage pairings with this dessert?
Spiced chai tea or a sweet Moscato wine nicely complement the cake’s spice and sweetness.
- → How long should I bake the carrot cake layers?
Bake each layer for 35-40 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.