Carrot Cake And Cream Cheese Icing

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful carrot cake layered with sweet cream cheese icing, perfect for celebrations or dessert, combining spices, nuts, and pineapple for a rich taste.

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Ingredients

  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups oil
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple
  • 3 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped nuts
  • 1 cup raisins

Instructions

  1. Cream eggs and sugar until smooth.
  2. Add oil and blend well. Add grated carrots and vanilla.
  3. Mix in sifted dry ingredients including flour, salt, and cinnamon.
  4. Add crushed pineapple, chopped nuts, and raisins to the batter.
  5. Pour batter into cake pans and bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes.
  6. Allow cakes to cool and frost with cream cheese icing.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, separate the eggs and whip the egg whites before folding them into the batter. You can substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. If you prefer a spicier cake, consider adding nutmeg or ginger. Ensure that the grated carrots are finely shredded for even distribution. Using freshly crushed pineapple enhances the flavor, but canned works well too.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the carrot cake with a generous layer of cream cheese icing on top, and consider garnishing with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a special touch, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This cake is perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or any celebration.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. To reheat, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Carrot Cake And Cream Cheese Icing contains roughly 705 calories, with 7g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (22% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 727mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

705 kcal 35% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.4g 15% DV
Total Fat 21.2g 27% DV
Carbs 112.1g 41% DV
Fiber 5.5g 20% DV
Sugar 44.5g 89% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 727.5mg 32% DV
Potassium 1056.8mg 22% DV
Cholesterol 103.2mg 34% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 154.3mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 18.1mg 20% DV
Calcium 161.4mg 12% DV
Iron 2.6mg 14% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. Frost it on the day you plan to serve it for the best texture. If making it even earlier, freezing the unfrosted cake layers works well, just remember to thaw completely before icing.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of self-rising flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour, but you'll need to add baking powder and salt to achieve the same rise. Use 3 cups of whole wheat flour along with 1 tablespoon of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This will give the cake a denser texture but still delicious flavor.

What can I use instead of nuts if there are allergies?

If you need to avoid nuts, simply omit them from the recipe. You could substitute with additional raisins or even shredded coconut for added texture. Alternatively, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can provide a nice crunch without the nut allergy concerns.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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