Save to Pinterest A whimsically moist carrot cake bursting with flavor and crowned with a playful, over-the-top cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations, this dessert brings joy to any table with its color and unique additions.
I first made this silly carrot cake for a friend's birthday party, and it stole the show. The guests raved about the riot of flavors and playful look, and it quickly became my go-to recipe for joyful gatherings.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1 ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp
- Ground ginger: ½ tsp
- Granulated sugar: 1 ¼ cups (250 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed: ½ cup (100 g)
- Vegetable oil: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Eggs: 4 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Grated carrots: 2 ½ cups (250 g)
- Chopped walnuts: ½ cup (60 g)
- Shredded coconut: ½ cup (50 g)
- Crushed pineapple, well-drained: ½ cup (80 g)
- Golden raisins: ½ cup (80 g)
- Cream cheese, softened: 8 oz (225 g)
- Unsalted butter, softened: ½ cup (115 g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Orange marmalade: 2 tbsp
- Powdered sugar, sifted: 3 cups (360 g)
- Rainbow sprinkles: ½ cup (60 g)
- Chopped pecans (optional): ⅓ cup (40 g)
Instructions
- Prepare pans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Mix sugars and oil:
- In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine mixtures:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until mostly combined.
- Add mix-ins:
- Gently fold in grated carrots, walnuts, coconut, pineapple, and raisins until evenly distributed.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Make frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add vanilla and orange marmalade, mixing well. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add chaos:
- Fold in half the sprinkles and pecans (if using) for color and texture.
- Assemble:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer over it and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate:
- Scatter the remaining sprinkles and extra pecans on the cake for a truly chaotic finish.
Save to Pinterest This cake is a family favorite for spring parties, and my kids particularly love adding extra rainbow sprinkles at the end.
Required Tools
Two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans, mixing bowls, electric mixer, whisk, spatula, and cooling rack are essential for making this carrot cake recipe.
Allergen Information
The cake contains eggs, wheat (gluten), dairy, and tree nuts. Adapt by omitting nuts or swapping where necessary for allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each slice has about 470 calories, 25 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, and 5 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy a slice with a cup of chai or Moscato for a whimsical treat. This carrot cake always brings smiles and laughs.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What spices enhance the carrot cake's flavor?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are used to create the warm, aromatic profile that complements the carrots.
- → Can nuts be substituted or omitted?
Walnuts and pecans add crunch but can be swapped for pistachios or omitted entirely for a nut-free option by adding extra coconut or raisins.
- → What makes the frosting 'chaotic'?
The frosting includes orange marmalade for a zesty twist and colorful sprinkles combined with chopped pecans, adding playful texture and vibrant appearance.
- → How long does it take to bake the cake layers?
Baking time is approximately 35 to 40 minutes in preheated oven until a toothpick comes out clean.
- → What are good beverage pairings for this dessert?
Pairings like spiced chai or a sweet Moscato wine complement the cake's spice and sweetness wonderfully.
- → Are there common allergens present?
This cake contains eggs, gluten from wheat flour, dairy in cream cheese and butter, and tree nuts like walnuts and pecans.