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from Scratch - Best

Best Ever Layered Carrot Cake from Scratch - Moist & Irresistible

This Best Ever Layered Carrot Cake from Scratch is a moist and irresistible dessert that combines the flavors of carrots and crushed pineapple.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Consider whole wheat for added health benefits.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Can swap with pumpkin pie spice.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda Check freshness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt Regular table salt works too.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg Double cinnamon if omitted.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves Can substitute with allspice.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter For more moisture, oil can be used.
  • 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Dark brown sugar intensifies flavor.
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 3 large Large Eggs Flax eggs can be used for vegan option.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use pure for best results.
  • 2 cups Grated Carrots Baby carrots work too.
  • 1 cup Canned Crushed Pineapple Fresh must be finely chopped.
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts/Pecans Can replace with almonds or skipped.
  • 1/2 cup Raisins Can substitute with dried cranberries.
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute.
  • 4 cups Powdered Sugar Coconut sugar is a healthier choice.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Adjust or omit as desired.

Equipment

  • 9-inch round cake pans
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing or lining with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, fine sea salt, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves until well mixed.
  3. In another bowl, cream together the melted unsalted butter and both the light brown and granulated sugars until smooth. Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until creamy.
  4. Gradually combine the dry mixture with the wet ingredients. Fold in the grated carrots, canned crushed pineapple, raisins, and half of the chopped walnuts.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the frosting by beating the cream cheese and unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon.
  8. Once the cake layers are cool, place one layer on a platter, spread half of the cream cheese frosting over it, and then gently add the second layer.
  9. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the cake, refrigerate for 2 hours, and then frost with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
  10. Garnish with remaining chopped walnuts before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 4gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 2800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow cake layers to cool completely before frosting to ensure the best result. Experiment with optional ingredients for personalized flavors.

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