Few desserts capture the heart and soul of home baking quite like a classic Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake. With its moist, spiced layers studded with carrots, pineapple, and nuts, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is a timeless treasure whether it’s for a birthday, a holiday, or just because, this carrot cake is guaranteed to evoke memories of warm kitchens and family gatherings.
Let’s dive into this simple yet spectacular recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake
- Incredibly Moist: Thanks to buttermilk, crushed pineapple, and grated carrots, every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Packed with Texture: Shredded coconut and walnuts add a delightful crunch to balance the cake’s softness.
- Cream Cheese Heaven: The tangy, velvety frosting is the perfect complement to the cake’s sweet and spiced flavors.
- One-Bowl Wonder: No complicated steps here this cake is as easy to make as it is to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups white sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, oil, buttermilk, eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the Carrot Mixture
- Stir in the grated carrots, drained pineapple, and flaked coconut.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the carrot mixture, stirring gently until combined.
5. Add the Nuts
- Fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the dish.
7. Make the Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat together confectioners’ sugar, cream cheese, butter, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
8. Frost and Serve
- Spread the frosting generously over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy this nostalgic treat with family and friends.
Tips for Carrot Cake Success
- Fresh Grated Carrots: Use freshly grated carrots for maximum moisture and sweetness. Pre-packaged shredded carrots are often too dry.
- Drain the Pineapple Well: To avoid a soggy cake, ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained before adding it to the batter.
- Customize Your Cake: Swap walnuts for pecans, or leave out the nuts altogether for a nut-free version.
- Make It Ahead: Carrot cake gets even better the next day, as the flavors meld together.
Why This Cake is a Classic
This Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake embodies everything we love about homemade desserts: simplicity, flavor, and a touch of nostalgia. It’s the kind of recipe you can imagine your grandmother making, filling the kitchen with the aroma of cinnamon and baking goodness. Paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting, it’s a dessert that’s as comforting as it is irresistible.
So, next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, skip the store-bought cakes and whip up this classic from scratch. One bite, and you’ll know why this recipe has stood the test of time.
Serve It Up
Perfect with a hot cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk, this Old-Fashioned Carrot Cake is a dessert worth savoring. Whether for a special occasion or just because it’s sure to bring smiles to your table.
Let’s keep the tradition alive—one slice at a time!