My Barrister'S Favorite Carrot Cake

Prep: 20 min Cook: 55 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, flavorful carrot cake packed with coconut, pineapple, and nuts, perfect for celebrations or anytime you crave a rich, textured dessert with warm spices.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 (7 oz) package flaked coconut
  • 1 (13 to 14 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
  2. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Add the flour mixture to the oil-sugar-egg-vanilla mixture and blend well.
  4. Stir in coconut, shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts.
  5. Pour the batter into a greased and floured 13x9-inch baking pan.
  6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes until the center of the cake is firm to the touch.
  7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

Tips & Substitutions

For a moister cake, consider adding an extra half cup of crushed pineapple or a bit of applesauce. If you're out of eggs, unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal can be used as substitutes. Make sure to sift the flour to avoid lumps and ensure an even texture. You can also try adding spices like nutmeg for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delightful carrot cake with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of Josie'S Buttermilk Pie for a delicious contrast of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover carrot cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, keeping them for up to three months. For reheating, simply microwave slices for about 15-20 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for a while before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of My Barrister'S Favorite Carrot Cake contains roughly 763 calories, with 6g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is a good source of iron (16% of the Daily Value), protein (13% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1035mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

763 kcal 38% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.3g 13% DV
Total Fat 45.7g 59% DV
Carbs 60.9g 22% DV
Fiber 3.7g 13% DV
Sugar 7.6g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1035.4mg 45% DV
Potassium 303.1mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 2.6mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 29.1mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 4.7mg 5% DV
Calcium 38.7mg 3% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
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 use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture will be denser. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a lighter result while still adding some health benefits.

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make this carrot cake gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking soda is gluten-free as well. The texture may differ slightly, but it should still be delicious.

What can I use instead of nuts if I have a nut allergy?

If you have a nut allergy, you can simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries can also add texture and sweetness.

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).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →