Save to Pinterest A whimsically moist carrot cake bursting with flavor and crowned with a playful, over-the-top cream cheese frosting. This Silly Carrot Cake with Chaotic Cream Cheese Frosting is perfect for dessert lovers seeking something delightfully different.
The first time I baked this carrot cake, the kitchen transformed into a rainbow frenzy as I tossed in sprinkles and layered on the zesty cream cheese frosting. It has since become a go-to treat for celebrations and spontaneous get-togethers.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1 ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp
- Ground nutmeg: ½ tsp
- Ground ginger: ½ tsp
- Granulated sugar: 1 ¼ cups (250 g)
- Light brown sugar, packed: ½ cup (100 g)
- Vegetable oil: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Eggs: 4 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Grated carrots: 2 ½ cups (250 g)
- Chopped walnuts: ½ cup (60 g)
- Shredded coconut: ½ cup (50 g)
- Crushed pineapple, well-drained: ½ cup (80 g)
- Golden raisins: ½ cup (80 g)
- Cream cheese, softened: 8 oz (225 g)
- Unsalted butter, softened: ½ cup (115 g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Orange marmalade: 2 tbsp (for a zesty chaos)
- Powdered sugar, sifted: 3 cups (360 g)
- Rainbow sprinkles: ½ cup (60 g)
- Chopped pecans (optional): ⅓ cup (40 g)
Instructions
- Prepare the cake pans:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Cream sugars and oil:
- In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine mixtures:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until mostly combined.
- Add mix-ins:
- Gently fold in grated carrots, walnuts, coconut, pineapple, and raisins until evenly distributed.
- Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes:
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting:
- Beat cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Add vanilla and orange marmalade, mixing well. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the chaos:
- Fold in half the sprinkles and pecans (if using) for a riot of color and texture.
- Assemble the cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer over it and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate:
- Scatter the remaining sprinkles and extra pecans over the cake for a truly chaotic finish.
Save to Pinterest This carrot cake made my family laugh with its wild look and we all went back for seconds. It brings playful energy to birthdays and weekend gatherings.
Required Tools
Two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans, mixing bowls, electric mixer, whisk, spatula, cooling rack
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, gluten (wheat), dairy (cream cheese, butter), and tree nuts (walnuts, pecans).
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 470, Total Fat: 25 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 5 g
Save to Pinterest This cake brings joy and cheer to any table. Frost generously and celebrate every crumb!
Common Recipe Questions
- → What spices bring out the flavor in this carrot cake?
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger combine to infuse warmth and depth throughout the cake layers.
- → Can I substitute nuts in the batter?
Yes, try pistachios for a different crunch or omit nuts entirely and add extra coconut or raisins instead.
- → What is the purpose of orange marmalade in the frosting?
It adds a bright, zesty note that complements the cream cheese and balances sweetness.
- → How can I achieve the moist texture in the cake?
Using vegetable oil and grated carrots ensures a tender and moist crumb that stays soft.
- → Are there tips for decorating the top layer?
Scatter sprinkles and chopped pecans over the frosting for a playful and textured finish.
- → What tools are essential for making this cake?
Two 8-inch round pans, mixing bowls, an electric mixer, whisk, spatula, and a cooling rack streamline preparation.