Carrot Cake Cream Cheese Frosting (Print-Friendly Version)
Tender spiced cake packed with carrots, pineapple, coconut, and a swirl of creamy frosting.
# Ingredients:
→ Cake
01 -
2 cups (250 g) finely shredded carrots
02 -
225 g canned crushed pineapple, drained
03 -
1 cup (80 g) sweetened shredded coconut
04 -
200 g granulated sugar
05 -
110 g light brown sugar
06 -
240 ml vegetable oil
07 -
4 large eggs, at room temperature
08 -
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 -
250 g all-purpose flour
10 -
2 teaspoons baking powder
11 -
2 teaspoons baking soda
12 -
1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
13 -
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
14 -
450 g cream cheese, softened to room temperature
15 -
115 g unsalted butter, softened
16 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
17 -
240 g powdered sugar, sifted
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease and flour two 20-cm (or 23-cm) round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, blend shredded carrots, drained pineapple, shredded coconut, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smoothly combined.
03 -
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
04 -
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until the batter is evenly incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
05 -
Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre emerges clean. Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
06 -
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and unsalted butter on high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add vanilla extract and sifted powdered sugar; continue mixing for 2 minutes, until frosting is smooth and creamy.
07 -
Position one cooled cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous portion of frosting over the top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake, smoothing with a spatula or leaving swirled for a rustic finish.
08 -
Sprinkle the cake with crushed walnuts or dust lightly with ground cinnamon for added flavour and texture, if desired.
# Notes & Tips:
01 -
Ensure cream cheese and butter reach room temperature for the creamiest frosting texture.
02 -
Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.