Description
A deliciously moist carrot cake topped with cherries, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with some of the cream cheese frosting. Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
- Spread the cherry preserves or pie filling over the top of the cake.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- If using canned cherry pie filling, select one with whole cherries for a more attractive topping.
- Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent the icing from melting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg