Carrot Cake – So Good, I Make It Every 10 Years

If you were thinking we already did a blog post for carrot cake, you are correct, but we never actually did a video, since I was just testing out a written recipe for a side project.  I remember thinking this is a really good carrot cake, and I should film a video for it soon, which I did, 10 years later.

The only major change from the original is that I substituted coconut oil for the vegetable oil.  I would love to tell you what the difference was, but I can’t remember.  Needless to say, this recipe would work with an equal amount of any other dessert-friendly fat, so don’t feel like you need to make any special trips to the store.

If you do go with the coconut oil, you can use a “virgin” coconut oil, which will have a fairly strong coconut aroma, and identifiable flavor, or you can go with a more refined coconut oil, which is virtually odorless and flavorless. I used the latter, but the former would be fine, if that’s what you’re into.

You don’t really need a garnish for the top, since that’s what the cream cheese frosting is, but if you did want to decorate with some candied carrots, simply slice them thin, and boil for a couple minutes in a syrup made from equal parts sugar and water. Accessorized or not, this cake would be fun to make for your Easter table, or just anytime you’re craving a vegetable-based cake, which is why I hope you give it a try soon. Enjoy!

Ingredients for a 13 x 9 Carrot Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon fine salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

2 teaspoons cinnamon

2 cups white sugar

1 cup coconut oil (or vegetable oil)

4 large eggs

1/4 cup melted butter

2 heaping packed cups raw finely grated carrots (or more for a moister cake)

1 can (8 ounce) finely crushed pineapple, drained

1/2 cup finely chopped pecans

1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts

For the frosting (slightly different ratio from the old version):

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, or to taste

about 3 cups powdered sugar, or to taste