This Best Ever Carrot Cake is hands-down the most flavorful and moist carrot cake you’ll ever make. Using freshly grated carrots, raisins, and a touch of cinnamon, this cake is packed with warmth and sweetness. The addition of crushed pineapple ensures a moist texture, while walnuts add a delightful crunch. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, this cake is a true showstopper.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This carrot cake strikes the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. The hand-grated carrots melt into the cake batter, making each bite soft and delicious. It’s perfect for special occasions, celebrations, or whenever you’re craving a comforting, homemade treat. The frosting is velvety and tangy, complementing the richness of the cake beautifully.
Ingredients
- 6 cups grated carrots (use a hand grater for delicate shreds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup raisins
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
1. Prepare the Carrot Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine the grated carrots and brown sugar.
- Set the mixture aside for 60 minutes, allowing the sugar to draw out the moisture from the carrots. After the time is up, stir in the raisins.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 10-inch cake pans to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy.
- Gradually beat in the white sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
- Stir in the crushed pineapple until fully incorporated.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, combining until absorbed.
5. Add the Carrot Mixture
- Finally, fold in the prepared carrot mixture and the chopped walnuts. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
6. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Frost the Cake
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them with your favorite cream cheese frosting. The tangy sweetness of the frosting pairs perfectly with the rich, spiced cake.
Helpful Tips
- Hand-grated carrots: Grating the carrots by hand gives a finer texture that helps the carrots blend seamlessly into the batter, resulting in a more tender cake.
- Storing the cake: If not serving immediately, store the carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. It actually becomes more flavorful after a day or two!
- Frosting options: You can make your own cream cheese frosting or use a store-bought version to save time. Either way, the frosting is essential to complete the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat.
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or as a sweet gift for a friend or loved one.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Inactive Time: 1 hour (for carrot and sugar mixture)
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)
Conclusion
This Best Ever Carrot Cake is sure to become your go-to recipe for any occasion. The moist, flavorful cake combined with the creamy frosting is pure perfection. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you’ll have a delightful homemade dessert that everyone will love.