Ingredients
Carrot Mixture
- 6 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup raisins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Wet Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
Instructions
- Prepare carrot mixture: Combine 6 cups grated carrots with 1 cup brown sugar in a bowl and let it sit for one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the carrots to release moisture. After resting, stir in 1 cup raisins evenly throughout the mixture.
- Prepare pans: Grease and flour two 10-inch cake pans thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cakes after baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat 4 eggs until smooth. Add 1 cup vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 ½ cups granulated sugar to the eggs and mix until well combined. Stir in 1 cup of crushed and drained pineapple to incorporate moisture and a hint of tropical sweetness.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda until thoroughly mixed.
- Incorporate dry into wet mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined and no lumps remain.
- Add carrot mixture and walnuts: Gently fold the carrot, brown sugar, and raisin mixture along with 1 cup chopped walnuts into the batter until evenly distributed without overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and frost: Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pans. Once cooled, remove from pans and top with cream cheese frosting of your choice for a classic finishing touch.
Notes
- Letting the carrot and brown sugar mixture rest enhances moisture and flavor.
- Ensure pineapple is well drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
- Use fresh grated carrots for best texture and sweetness.
- Check cake doneness toward the end of baking time to avoid overbaking, which can dry the cake.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the dry ingredients.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with cream cheese frosting but can also be enjoyed plain or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American