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Carrot cake bars with cream cheese frosting, shredded carrots, pecans, and coconut garnish on a plate.

To Die For Carrot Cake Recipe: Moist, Flavorful, and Easy

  • Author: Jassmin
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

To Die For Carrot Cake is moist, rich, and layered with warm spices, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. This is the best carrot cake ever—perfect for Easter, birthdays, or any special celebration.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Cake:
  • 1 cup applesauce (or vegetable oil)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3 cups freshly grated carrots
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • ½ cup raisins (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3–4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round pans.
  2. In a large bowl, mix applesauce (or oil), sugar, and eggs until smooth.
  3. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mix until just combined.
  4. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, nuts, raisins, and vanilla extract.
  5. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan(s).
  6. Bake for 30–40 minutes (18–22 minutes for cupcakes) or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow cake to cool completely before frosting.
  8. For frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
  9. Add powdered sugar gradually, then mix in vanilla extract.
  10. Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Decorate with toasted pecans or coconut if desired.

Notes

Use freshly grated carrots for best moisture. Toast nuts before adding for enhanced flavor. Store frosted cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cake layers can be frozen (unfrosted) for up to 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 499
  • Sugar: 60g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 77g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: to die for carrot cake, best carrot cake ever, moist carrot cake, carrot cake with pineapple, homemade carrot cake, cream cheese frosting carrot cake

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Find it online: https://reciptora.com/to-die-for-carrot-cake/