Best 4 Dads Carrot Cake Recipes

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Carrot cake is a classic dessert that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a moist and flavorful cake that is made with grated carrots, spices, and nuts. Carrot cake is often served with a cream cheese frosting, which adds a rich and tangy flavor. This article provides three different recipes for carrot cake, each with its own unique twist.

The first recipe is a classic carrot cake recipe that uses all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, eggs, vegetable oil, grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins. The second recipe is a gluten-free carrot cake recipe that uses almond flour, coconut flour, tapioca flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, eggs, coconut oil, grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins. The third recipe is a vegan carrot cake recipe that uses all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, flax eggs, vegetable oil, grated carrots, chopped walnuts, and raisins.

These three recipes provide a variety of options for carrot cake lovers, whether they are looking for a classic recipe, a gluten-free recipe, or a vegan recipe. All of the recipes are easy to follow and can be made with ingredients that are easily found at most grocery stores.

Let's cook with our recipes!

INCREDIBLY MOIST AND EASY CARROT CAKE



Incredibly Moist and Easy Carrot Cake image

This is the best carrot cake recipe I've ever used. We prefer to use a hand grater when preparing the carrots since it creates delicate carrot shreds that melt into the cake batter. Pre-shredded bags or shredding carrots using a food processor are also options, but the carrot shreds will be larger. This recipe is forgiving. You can make this with or without the nuts or raisins. We love the combination of granulated and brown sugar, but if you only have one of them, use it, and the cake will still be delicious. Frosting: Our creamy frosting recipe shared below is not a traditional cream cheese frosting. Thanks to whipped cream, it's creamier and has soft peaks (you can see it in our video). We love it, but if you prefer a more traditional frosting, see the tips section below the recipe. We have provided instructions for a classic cream cheese frosting that works nicely with this cake.

Provided by Adam and Joanne Gallagher

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h5m

Yield Makes 1 (9-inch) double layer cake (16 thin slices) or 22 to 24 cupcakes

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 ¼ cups (295 ml) canola or other vegetable oil
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
1 cup (190 grams) lightly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs, at room temperature
3 cups (300 grams) grated peeled carrots, 5 to 6 medium carrots
1 cup (100 grams) coarsely chopped pecans
1/2 cup (65 grams) raisins
8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
1 ¼ cups (140 grams) powdered sugar
1/3 cup (80 ml) heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup (50 grams) coarsely chopped pecans, for topping cake

Steps:

  • Position a rack in the middle of the oven. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottom with parchment paper and then grease the top. Or grease and flour the bottom and sides of both pans.
  • Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176C).
  • Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a medium bowl until very well blended.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each one.
  • Switch to a large rubber spatula. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl, then add the dry ingredients in three parts, gently stirring until they disappear and the batter is smooth.
  • Stir in the carrots, nuts, and raisins.
  • Divide the cake batter between the prepared cake pans.
  • Bake until the tops of the cake layers are springy when touched and when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes.
  • Cool cakes in the pans for 15 minutes, then carefully turn the cake layers out onto cooling racks. Remove the parchment paper and cool completely. If you find that a cake layer is sticking to the bottom of the pan, leave the cake pan upside down and allow gravity to do its thing.
  • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with a handheld mixer on medium speed until creamy, about 1 minute.
  • Beat in the powdered sugar, a 1/4 cup at a time, until fluffy.
  • Pour in the whipping cream. Beat on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the frosting is whipped and creamy. This frosting resembles the texture of whipped cream. Chill covered until ready to frost the cake.
  • When the cake layers are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer, and place the second cake layer on top.
  • Add the remaining frosting to the top of the carrot cake and use a butter knife or small spatula to swirl the frosting around. Leave the sides of the cake unfrosted. Finish with a handful of nuts on top.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 slice (1 of 16), Calories 535, Fat 33.4g, SaturatedFat 6.9g, Cholesterol 69.3mg, Sodium 315.9mg, Carbohydrate 56.4g, Fiber 2.4g, Sugar 40.5g, Protein 5.6g

BEST CARROT CAKE EVER



Best Carrot Cake Ever image

A moist and flavorful recipe that makes a large quantity of cake. I have been hounded to make this cake time and time again.

Provided by Nan

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Spice Cake Recipes

Time 2h30m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 13

6 cups grated carrots
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup raisins
4 eggs
1 ½ cups white sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • In a medium bowl, combine grated carrots and brown sugar. Set aside for 60 minutes, then stir in raisins.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour two 10 inch cake pans.
  • In a large bowl, beat eggs until light. Gradually beat in the white sugar, oil and vanilla. Stir in the pineapple. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon, stir into the wet mixture until absorbed. Finally stir in the carrot mixture and the walnuts. Pour evenly into the prepared pans.
  • Bake for 45 to 50 minutes in the preheated oven, until cake tests done with a toothpick. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan. When completely cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 457.4 calories, Carbohydrate 66.3 g, Cholesterol 46.5 mg, Fat 20.2 g, Fiber 3.1 g, Protein 5.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.7 g, Sodium 315.2 mg, Sugar 42.8 g

SAM'S FAMOUS CARROT CAKE



Sam's Famous Carrot Cake image

My Grandfather (Sam) was famous for this cake. Everyone who knew him, knows of his famous carrot cake. He would always have some available for anyone who wanted it. We'll miss him, but his carrot cake legacy will always live on! Enjoy!

Provided by Brian D'Amico

Categories     Desserts     Cakes     Sheet Cake Recipes

Time 1h40m

Yield 15

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 eggs
¾ cup buttermilk
¾ cup vegetable oil
1 ½ cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups shredded carrots
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 (8 ounce) can crushed pineapple with juice
1 cup raisins

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour an 8x12 inch pan.
  • In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine eggs, buttermilk, oil, sugar and vanilla. Mix well. Add flour mixture and mix well.
  • In a medium bowl, combine shredded carrots, coconut, walnuts, pineapple and raisins.
  • Using a large wooden spoon or a very heavy whisk, add carrot mixture to batter and fold in well.
  • Pour into prepared 8x12 inch pan, and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 hour. Check with toothpick.
  • Allow to cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 374.3 calories, Carbohydrate 48.7 g, Cholesterol 37.7 mg, Fat 18.8 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 3.6 g, Sodium 259.4 mg, Sugar 31.4 g

CARROT CAKE



Carrot Cake image

Carrot Cake is one of those classic recipes that works so well for any celebration. The bright orange color offset by creamy white frosting makes Carrot Cake the star of any dessert tray. As the name implies, the shredded carrots give this easy Carrot Cake recipe its bright color, but the taste is subtle. Warm cinnamon and vanilla help create a swoon-worthy flavor as you bite into the moist, dense cake. One of the best parts of Carrot Cake is the famous sweet-and-tangy cream cheese frosting. Follow our homemade recipe, or save time, and substitute Betty Crocker™ Rich & Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting instead.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h5m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 cups Gold Medal™ All-Purpose Flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups shredded carrots (5 medium)
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 to 3 teaspoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar
Nutmeg, if desired

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. Grease bottom and sides of one 13x9-inch pan or two 8-inch or 9-inch round pans with shortening; lightly flour. In large bowl, beat granulated sugar, oil and eggs with electric mixer on low speed about 30 seconds or until blended. Add flour, cinnamon, baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla and the salt; beat on low speed 1 minute. Stir in carrots and nuts. Pour into pan(s).
  • Bake 13x9-inch pan 40 to 45 minutes, round pans 30 to 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool rectangle in pan on cooling rack. Cool rounds 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling rack. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
  • In medium bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, milk and vanilla with electric mixer on low speed until smooth. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, on low speed until smooth and spreadable. Frost 13x9-inch cake or fill and frost round layers with frosting. Sprinkle nutmeg on frosted cake, if desired. Store in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 440, Carbohydrate 46 g, Cholesterol 55 mg, Fat 5, Fiber 2 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 3 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 230 mg, Sugar 27 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips for Making the Best Carrot Cake:

  • Use fresh carrots. Fresh carrots have a sweeter flavor and more nutrients than older carrots. For the best results, use carrots that are about the same size so they cook evenly.
  • Grate the carrots finely. This will help them distribute evenly throughout the cake and give it a more delicate texture.
  • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Use a bundt pan for a classic carrot cake shape. You can also use a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  • Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Don't overbake the cake, or it will be dry.
  • Let the cake cool completely before frosting it. This will help the frosting set properly.
  • Use a cream cheese frosting for a classic carrot cake topping. You can also use a whipped cream frosting or a sour cream frosting.
  • Garnish the cake with chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins. You can also use a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.

Conclusion:

Carrot cake is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed all year round. It's perfect for potlucks, parties, and special occasions. With its moist texture, sweet flavor, and creamy frosting, carrot cake is sure to please everyone. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert, give this classic carrot cake recipe a try.

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