Best Carrot Cake Ever: A Classic Recipe for Any Occasion
Carrot Cake is a timeless classic that combines the sweetness of carrots, the warmth of spices, and the richness of cream cheese frosting. This recipe produces a moist, flavorful cake that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this cake is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
6 cups grated carrots
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup raisins
4 large eggs
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional):
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Mixture
Mix the Carrots and Brown Sugar:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine 6 cups of grated carrots and 1 cup of brown sugar.
Let this mixture sit for 60 minutes, then stir in 1 cup of raisins. This allows the carrots to soften and the raisins to plump up, enhancing the texture and flavor of the cake.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Pans:
Grease two 10-inch round cake pans, then lightly flour them to prevent the cake from sticking. This step ensures easy removal of the cakes after baking.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Beat the Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 large eggs until light and fluffy.
Add Sugar, Oil, and Vanilla:
Gradually add 1 ½ cups of white sugar, 1 cup of vegetable oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Continue beating until well combined.
Stir in Pineapple:
Add 1 cup of drained crushed pineapple and mix well. This adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to the cake.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 4 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Add the Carrot Mixture
Stir in Carrot Mixture:
Gently fold in the carrot and raisin mixture, along with 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Ensure the batter is evenly mixed.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Divide the Batter:
Evenly divide the cake batter between the prepared pans.
Bake:
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Frost the Cake (Optional)
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter until smooth.
Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to reach the desired consistency.
Frost the Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer, place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Variations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that can be used cup-for-cup.
Nut-Free Version: Omit the walnuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds to retain the same crunch.
Lower Sugar Option: Reduce the white sugar by half or use 2 cups of coconut sugar for a less sweet version.
Spice it Up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg and a pinch of ground cloves for extra warmth.
Conclusion
This Carrot Cake recipe is a perfect blend of sweetness, spice, and texture, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion. The combination of grated carrots, juicy pineapple, and crunchy walnuts creates a moist and flavorful cake that is both comforting and delicious. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this carrot cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the process of baking and the joy it brings to those who share it with you!
