Save A whimsically moist carrot cake bursting with flavor and crowned with a playful, over-the-top cream cheese frosting. This Silly Carrot Cake promises both chaos and delight at every bite for carrot cake fans.
I first baked this cake for a springtime gathering when I wanted something playful yet delicious. The riot of color and whimsical texture made it a centerpiece everyone talked about days after.
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 (frosting): 1 tsp
- Orange marmalade: 2 tbsp
- Powdered sugar, sifted: 3 cups (360 g)
- Rainbow sprinkles: ½ cup (60 g)
- Chopped pecans (optional): ⅓ cup (40 g)
Instructions
- Prepare pans:
- 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.
- Cream sugars and 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.
- Combine mixtures:
- 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 cake layers:
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes:
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare 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 chaos:
- Fold in half the sprinkles and pecans (if using) for a riot of color and texture.
- Layer and frost 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 My kids love helping scatter the final rainbow sprinkles, giggling as they create edible art with wild abandon.
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 cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 470, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 5 g (per serving)
Save Serve chilled for a denser texture, or at room temperature for extra fluffiness. This cake brings joy to any dessert table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What spices enhance the flavor of this carrot cake?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger are used to add warm, aromatic spice notes that complement the sweetness of the carrots and fruits.
- → Can nuts be omitted or substituted in the cake?
Yes, nuts like walnuts and pecans can be omitted for a nut-free version, or swapped with alternatives like pistachios or extra coconut for texture.
- → What gives the frosting its unique flavor?
Orange marmalade mixed into the cream cheese frosting adds a zesty brightness, balancing the rich creaminess with a subtle citrus note.
- → How can I ensure the cake stays moist?
Including ingredients like crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and a balanced amount of oil helps maintain moisture and tenderness throughout baking.
- → What tools are essential for making this cake?
Two 8-inch round cake pans, mixing bowls, an electric mixer, a whisk, spatula, and a cooling rack are recommended to prepare and finish the cake properly.