Easter Carrot Cake Walnuts Pineapple (Printable)

Moist cake with sweet carrots, crunchy walnuts, pineapple, and creamy cheese frosting, perfect for spring gatherings.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Cake

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1½ teaspoons baking soda
04 - ½ teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1 cup granulated sugar
08 - ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
09 - 1 cup vegetable oil
10 - 4 large eggs
11 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
12 - 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
13 - 1 cup walnuts, chopped
14 - 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
15 - ½ cup raisins (optional)

→ Cream Cheese Frosting

16 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
17 - ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
18 - 2½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
19 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
20 - Pinch of salt

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until thoroughly blended.
03 - Beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl until well combined and slightly pale in color.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
05 - Fold in grated carrots, chopped walnuts, drained pineapple, and raisins if using until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
06 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
09 - Beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until fluffy.
10 - Spread frosting layer on top of one cooled cake. Place second layer on top and frost top and sides completely.
11 - Decorate with additional chopped walnuts or carrot curls as desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crushed pineapple keeps every bite impossibly moist without making it heavy
  • Walnuts scattered throughout give you these perfect crunchy moments between the tender cake
02 -
  • The cake must be completely cool before frosting or you'll end up with cream cheese sliding onto your serving plate
  • Drain the pineapple so thoroughly that your hands get tired squeezing it, otherwise the center never quite sets
03 -
  • Grate your carrots by hand instead of using a food processor for better texture and moisture distribution
  • Spread chopped walnuts on the sides right after frosting so they stick without needing extra help

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