Chef John's Carrot Cake

Loaded with grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped pecans, and walnuts, this classic cake is topped with cream cheese frosting and pretty candied carrots.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 55 mins
• Calories: 728 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups white sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 large eggs
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup coconut oil
• 2 cups finely grated carrots, or more to taste
• 1 (8 ounce) can finely crushed pineapple, drained
• 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 0.5 cup finely chopped pecans
• 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract, or to taste
• 3 cups confectioners' sugar, or to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

Place flour in a bowl. Add salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Sprinkle in ground ginger and cinnamon. Whisk thoroughly until combined. Set aside.

Step 3

Add sugar to a separate bowl. Whisk in eggs until mixture is smooth and pale yellow, 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 4

Heat butter and coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat until just melted but not too hot. Whisk into the bowl with the eggs and sugar until well combined. Add carrots, crushed pineapple, pecans, and walnuts. Stir well.

Step 5

Stir flour mixture into the carrot mixture until no dry spots remain. Pour batter into a greased 9x13-inch baking pan. Tap the pan against your counter to let any big air bubbles rise to the surface.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting, at least 40 minutes.

Step 7

Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar to form a smooth frosting. Spread evenly over the cooled cake. Chill completely before slicing.