Old Fashioned Carrot Cake

This Old Fashioned Carrot Cake, made with pineapple, has a moist and tender crumb bursting with flavor. Topped with a creamy cream cheese frosting, it’s a timeless favorite that’s sure to delight with every flavorful bite.

This post may contain affiliate links which I earn a small portion in sales if a purchase is made. Rest assured though, it is never at any additional cost to you.

Old Fashioned Carrot Cake: When to Serve This Classic Dessert

Carrot cake holds a cherished place in the world of desserts, offering a blend of comforting flavors and a moist, tender crumb. Here are some ideal moments to savor this timeless treat:

• Special Occasions– Carrot cake is an excellent choice for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones for anyone who loves spiced or classic desserts.
• Holiday Celebrations– Whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday, carrot cake is a beloved tradition on many dessert tables. Its comforting flavors and vibrant appearance perfectly complement the spirit of the season.
• Baby Showers, Bridal Showers or Tea Parties– An extremely fun addition to gatherings such as showers. Its comforting taste, nostalgic charm, and ability to elevate the celebration make it a delightful addition to these events.
• Sunday Dinner– Homemade Carrot Cake adds a touch of comfort and tradition to family meals.

Secrets to Moist, Fluffy and Flavorful Carrot Cake

There are a few key ingredients, in addittion to carrots, that make carrot cake truly exceptional. Oil, pineapple and cinnamon play vital roles in achieving the balance of moistness, fluffiness, and flavor.

Oil, with its moisture-retaining properties, ensures a tender crumb that remains irresistibly moist over time. Crushed pineapple adds a touch of tanginess and moisture to the cake, infusing it with subtle sweetness and tenderizing the crumb. Meanwhile, cinnamon lends depth and warmth to the cake’s flavor profile, enhancing the earthy sweetness of the carrots. Together, these ingredients work their magic, making this cake absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients Needed

Carrot Cake Ingredients

• Oil– Provides moisture, richness, and softness to the cake. This is my Mom’s Old Fashioned Carrot Cake recipe. I replaced the Wesson oil (see photo below) with a high quality avocado oil.
• Granulated Sugar– Sweetens, tenderizes, and adds moisture to the cake while creating a golden crust.
• Eggs– Binds ingredients together, providing structure while also adding richness.
• Grated Carrots– Offer natural sweetness, moisture, and vibrant color to the cake.
• Crushed Pineapple– The secret ingredient that adds sweetness, tanginess, and moisture while enhancing texture.
• All Purpose Flour– Forms the cake’s structure and crumb, holding ingredients together.
• Chopped Nuts– Both pecans and walnuts work beautifully in this cake providing texture, crunch and a nutty flavor.
• Baking Soda– Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cake rise and achieve lightness.
• Salt– Enhances flavor, balances sweetness, and strengthens gluten structure.
• Cinnamon– Adds warmth, depth, and aroma to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract– Provides sweetness, aroma, and complexity to the cake’s flavor profile.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

• Cream Cheese– Is the base ingredient for the frosting providing a slightly tangy flavor with a rich creaminess.
• Butter– Enhances the richness and smoothness of the frosting. Adds flavor and helps to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• Powdered Sugar– Sweetens the frosting and helps to create a smooth texture.
• Vanilla Extract– Adds flavor and depth to the frosting while also complimenting the butter and cream cheese.

Steps to Take Before Beginning {aka Mise en Place}

Mise en place, a term originating from French cuisine, entails prepping and organizing all ingredients and equipment before baking, ensuring a seamless workflow and efficient process. Here are the essential steps to complete before starting.

• Allow the eggs for the cake, as well as the cream cheese and butter for the frosting, come to room temperature for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat oven.
• Grease pans with butter or cooking spray.
• Grate carrots, drain pineapple and chop nuts.

How To Make Old Fashioned Carrot Cake

Cake Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
3. Stir in crushed pineapple, vanilla, and grated carrots.
4. In another bowl, sift flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in chopped nuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 45-50 minutes for a sheet pan or 30-35 minutes for round cake pans. Adjust the baking time according to your oven’s performance and use the toothpick test to ensure doneness.
7. Let cake cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting Instruction

1. Once cake is cooled, prepare frosting.
2. In a stand mixer, beat butter and cream cheese on medium for 2 minutes.
3. Add vanilla and gradually mix in powdered sugar in two batches, low until incorporated, then high for 3 minutes.
4. Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. If two layers, frost between them.

Baking Tips and Tricks

While this cake recipe is very easy to make, if you’re new to baking, these helpful tips can streamline the process even further.

• Room Temperature Ingredients– Using room temperature eggs yields a lighter crumb, while softened cream cheese and butter ensure a silky-smooth frosting.
• Mindful Mixing– When preparing your cake batter, be mindful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough cake texture. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a light and airy crumb.
• Know Your Oven– Ovens vary in power and behavior, with some being more powerful than others. Because of this, it’s important to monitor your cake closely as it bakes and adjust the baking time as needed to prevent overbaking, which can lead to dryness or burnt edges.
• Test for Doneness– To determine if your cake is fully baked, insert a clean toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your cake is done. However, if the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.
• Freshly Made Frosting– Prepare your frosting just before applying it to the cake for optimal texture, ensuring both a smooth decorating process and delicious eating experience. Note: One of the easiest ways to make silky smooth frosting is with a stand mixer.

Decorating Your Carrot Cake

If you’re a skilled home baker who excels in baking but finds cake decorating challenging, here are some creative ideas to elevate the charm and visual appeal of your carrot cake.

• Cream Cheese Swirls– Make a little extra frosting and pipe cream cheese swirls over the top of the cake for a simple and elegant decoration.
• Grated Carrots– Use grated carrots to create a decorative carrot design on the surface of the cake.
• Nutty Topping– Add a border to the cake’s edges with chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts, or sprinkle them sparingly over the top for a delightful finishing touch.
• Sprinkle of Cinnamon– Dust the top of the cake with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for a subtle yet flavorful finish.
• Edible Flowers– Garnish the cake with edible flowers, such as pansies or peonies, for a beautiful and natural decoration.
• Patterned Frosting– Use stencils and colored sanding sugar to create intricate patterns or designs for Easter celebrations.
• Decorative Sprinkles– Sprinkle the top of the cake with holiday-themed sprinkles for a festive and whimsical finishing touch.

Storage and Maintaining Freshness

Because of the cream cheese frosting, refrigeration is recommended for storing your carrot cake. Keep it in an airtight container or tightly wrap it with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of refrigerator odors. Usually, this cake remains fresh in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, with optimal taste within the initial 2-3 days post-baking. For extended storage, securely wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Troubleshooting

Soggy Cake

If your cake turns out soggy, several factors could be at play:

• Underbaking– The cake may not have been baked for a sufficient amount of time, causing the center to remain undercooked and soggy.
• Excessive Moisture– The crushed pineapple was not drained properly bringing too much liquid into the batter.
• Improper Storage– Storing the cake in a humid environment or not allowing it to cool completely before wrapping can result in excess moisture being trapped, leading to sogginess.

Cake that Falls in the Middle

If your cake collapses or falls in the middle, several factors could be responsible:

• Overmixng– Excessive mixing of the batter can lead to the development of too much gluten, resulting in a cake that collapses during baking.
• Incorrect Oven Temperature– Baking the cake at too low a temperature or opening the oven door frequently during baking can cause the cake to rise unevenly and then collapse in the middle.
• Underbaking– Removing the cake from the oven before it has finished baking can result in a collapsed center due to insufficient structure.

Melted Frosting

If the frosting on your carrot cake melts, several factors could be to blame:

• Warm Cake– Frosting the cake while it is still warm will cause the frosting to melt.
• High Room Temperature– If the room where the cake is stored is too warm, the frosting will soften and possibly melt.
• Thin Frosting-Adding cream or milk to the frosting may overly thin it, creating the illusion of melting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to use oil or butter in carrot cake?

Both oil and butter are viable options for carrot cake, each offering distinct qualities. Oil contributes to a moist texture, while butter adds richness and flavor. The preferred choice depends on personal taste preferences and desired texture. However, considering the cake’s inherent richness, I lean towards oil for its ability to enhance moisture without overpowering the cake’s flavor.

What is the toothpick test on carrot cake?

The toothpick test for carrot cake involves inserting a clean toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it, the cake is done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, the cake needs more time to bake.

Are there other frosting options besides cream cheese frosting?

Yes, there are various frosting options besides cream cheese frosting, including buttercream frosting, whipped cream frosting, powdered sugar glaze, or even a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Should I refrigerate the cake before frosting?

The cake should be completely cooled before frosting, but refrigerating it is not necessary as long as it has cooled to room temperature.

How does the pineapple affect the baking of this cake?

The pineapple not only adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the cake but also contributes a delicate tanginess, which complements the overall flavor profile. Additionally, its acidity reacts with the baking soda, aiding in the cake’s leavening process and resulting in a lighter texture.