A moist, warmly spiced carrot cake featuring freshly grated carrots, farm-fresh apple cider, crushed pineapple, and toasted pecans, finished with a rich maple cream cheese frosting. It’s a delicious twist on a timeless favorite, inspired by the flavors of the fall harvest.
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup apple cider, preferably reduced to ¼ cup and cooled
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups freshly grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted
For the maple cream cheese frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pans. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- Mix the wet ingredients. Beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, cooled reduced cider, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, drained pineapple, coconut, and toasted pecans.
- Bake. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the frosting. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt. Beat until creamy.
- Frost and serve. Spread frosting between the cooled cake layers and over the top and sides. Garnish with chopped pecans, if desired.
Alstede Fresh Farm Tip: Freshly grated carrots provide the best moisture and texture. For an extra layer of fall flavor, reduce apple cider by simmering it gently until concentrated, then cool completely before adding it to the batter.
