Easter carrot cake walnuts pineapple (Print View)
Moist carrot cake featuring sweet carrots, walnuts, pineapple, and creamy frosting, perfect for spring celebrations.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1½ teaspoons baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
09 - 1 cup vegetable oil
10 - 4 large eggs
11 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
12 - 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
13 - 1 cup walnuts, chopped
14 - 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
15 - ½ cup raisins (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
16 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
17 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
18 - 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
19 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
20 - Pinch of salt
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
03 - In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined and slightly pale.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
05 - Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, pineapple, and raisins if using, until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
06 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
10 - Once cakes are completely cool, 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 evenly.
11 - Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or carrot curls as desired. Slice and serve.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The combination of pineapple and carrots creates an incredibly moist crumb that stays fresh for days
- This is one of those rare cakes that actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for make-ahead holiday prep
02 -
- Wait for the cakes to cool completely before frosting or the frosting will melt right off
- Drain the pineapple really well, excess juice will make the cake soggy
03 -
- Toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the batter for an extra layer of flavor
- Use the finest grating side of your box grater for carrots that almost melt into the cake