Surprisingly Simple: While it looks impressive, it’s a straightforward “mix-and-bake” recipe. No fancy techniques are required.
Gathering Your Ingredients: Warm Spices & Whipped Creaminess
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a complex, cozy taste.
For the Carrot Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground ginger
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 ¼ cups vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tbsp vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots (about 4-5 medium carrots)
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional, for extra moisture)
For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, cold
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tbsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
Ingredient Role & Substitution Guide
Ingredient Why It Matters Best Substitutions
Vegetable Oil Provides unmatched moisture and a tender crumb that stays moist for days. Melted coconut oil or a light olive oil.
Brown Sugar Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like flavor that complements the spices. All granulated sugar (but you’ll lose flavor).
Finely Grated Carrots The star! They provide natural sweetness, moisture, and texture. Use the small holes on a box grater.
Crushed Pineapple The secret ingredient for ultimate moisture and a subtle tang. You can omit it, but it’s highly recommended.
Cold Heavy Cream Whipped and folded in, this is the secret to the light, fluffy, whipped frosting. Do not substitute with milk or half-and-half.
Crafting Perfection: Your Foolproof Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps for a perfectly domed, moist, and tender cake every time.
