Save to Pinterest A whimsically moist carrot cake bursting with flavor and crowned with a playful, over-the-top cream cheese frosting. It's the perfect dessert to bring joy and color to any occasion.
I first baked this silly carrot cake for a friend's birthday party, and the combination of zesty marmalade in the frosting and a riot of colors from the sprinkles made everyone smile. It quickly became a household favorite whenever we wanted a dessert that felt extra joyful!
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1 ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp
- Ground ginger: ½ tsp
- Granulated sugar: 1 ¼ cups (250 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed: ½ cup (100 g)
- Vegetable oil: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Large eggs: 4
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Grated carrots: 2 ½ cups (250 g)
- Chopped walnuts: ½ cup (60 g)
- Shredded coconut: ½ cup (50 g)
- Crushed pineapple, well-drained: ½ cup (80 g)
- Golden raisins: ½ cup (80 g)
- Cream cheese, softened: 8 oz (225 g)
- Unsalted butter, softened: ½ cup (115 g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Orange marmalade (for a zesty chaos): 2 tbsp
- Powdered sugar, sifted: 3 cups (360 g)
- Rainbow sprinkles: ½ cup (60 g)
- Chopped pecans (optional): ⅓ cup (40 g)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Combine Sugars & Oil:
- In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Blend Dry & Wet:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until mostly combined.
- Add Mix-Ins:
- Gently fold in grated carrots, walnuts, coconut, pineapple, and raisins until evenly distributed.
- Bake:
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Frosting:
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add vanilla and orange marmalade, mixing well. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add Color:
- Fold in half the sprinkles and pecans (if using) for a riot of color and texture.
- Assemble Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer over it and frost the top and sides.
- Finish:
- Scatter the remaining sprinkles and extra pecans over the cake for a truly chaotic finish.
Save to Pinterest This carrot cake has become a staple for birthday celebrations and family gatherings, always sparking laughter when someone discovers a surprise sprinkle inside their slice. My kids love to help scatter the toppings for that messy, magical finish.
Required Tools
Two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans, mixing bowls, electric mixer, whisk, spatula, cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, gluten (wheat), dairy (cream cheese, butter), and tree nuts (walnuts, pecans). Check all packaged ingredients for potential cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 470, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 5 g (per serving)
Save to Pinterest This cake makes any gathering a little brighter. Slice generously and enjoy the sweet chaos in every bite!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I make the carrot mixture moist?
Incorporate oil, grated carrots, pineapple, and light brown sugar to ensure a moist, tender crumb with balanced sweetness.
- → What spices enhance the cake’s flavor?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger are combined to provide warm, aromatic notes that complement the sweetness of the carrots.
- → Can I substitute nuts in the cake batter?
Yes, pistachios can replace walnuts for a different flavor, or omit nuts entirely and increase coconut or raisins for texture.
- → How is the cream cheese frosting made vibrant and flavorful?
Adding orange marmalade and rainbow sprinkles brightens the frosting with zesty sweetness and playful color.
- → What baking tips ensure the cake cooks evenly?
Use two 8-inch pans, properly greased and lined, and bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted comes out clean, about 35-40 minutes.