Easter Carrot Cake Walnuts Pineapple (Print)
Moist carrot cake combining sweet carrots, walnuts, pineapple, and cream cheese frosting for festive spring flavors.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Cake Components
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1½ teaspoons baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - ½ cup packed light brown sugar
09 - 1 cup vegetable oil
10 - 4 large eggs
11 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
12 - 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
13 - 1 cup chopped walnuts
14 - 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
15 - ½ cup raisins (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
16 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
17 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
18 - 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
19 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
20 - Pinch of salt
# How To Make:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until thoroughly blended.
03 - Beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl until well combined and slightly pale in color.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense texture.
05 - Fold in grated carrots, chopped walnuts, crushed pineapple, and raisins if using, until evenly distributed throughout batter.
06 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops with spatula for even baking.
07 - Bake for 35-40 minutes until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
08 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
09 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy and spreadable.
10 - Spread frosting layer on top of one cooled cake. Place second layer on top and frost top and sides evenly.
11 - Decorate with additional chopped walnuts or carrot curls if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The crushed pineapple keeps every bite impossibly moist, so you can forget about dry cake forever
- This frosting-to-cake ratio is basically perfection, thick enough to swoon over but not so sweet it overpowers the spiced crumb
02 -
- Grating your own carrots makes a huge difference in texture and moisture
- Completely cool cakes before frosting or you'll end up with melty, sliding layers
03 -
- Pat the drained pineapple with paper towels to prevent a soggy cake
- Rotate the pans halfway through baking for even rising