Are you craving a taste of sunshine? Look no further than this irresistible Betty Crocker-inspired carrot cake recipe, bursting with juicy pineapple chunks and the warm spice of cinnamon. This isn't your grandma's carrot cake – it's a moist, flavorful masterpiece that's perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to celebratory gatherings. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this easy recipe will guide you through creating a delicious, homemade dessert that will impress everyone. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade cooking with this simple, yet stunning, carrot cake.
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a classic 9x13 inch cake. Adjust quantities as needed for different sized pans.
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For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 2 cups grated carrots
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For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake releases easily and prevents sticking. Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature – this helps them blend smoothly.
Making the Carrot Cake Batter
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices throughout the cake.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat well until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works best here.
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Combining: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
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Adding the Good Stuff: Gently fold in the drained crushed pineapple and grated carrots. This retains the moisture and texture of the pineapple and carrots.
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Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Always check for doneness a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
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Beat it Up: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
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Sweeten it Up: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
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Frosting Time: Once the cake has completely cooled, frost it generously with the cream cheese frosting.
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Grate your own carrots: Freshly grated carrots provide the best flavor and texture.
- Use good quality spices: The spices are a key element in this recipe, so use fresh, high-quality spices for the best flavor.
- Cool completely before frosting: Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to this cake.
- Use different fruits: Try substituting raisins or cranberries for the pineapple.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for an extra kick of flavor.
- Make it a cupcake: This batter also works perfectly for cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 25g
- Protein: 3g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This delicious carrot cake is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy this easy recipe for a quick dinner dessert or a special occasion treat. It's the perfect blend of moist cake, sweet frosting, and the perfect amount of spice. Happy baking!