Description
Coconut Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and flavorful dessert combining shredded carrots, coconut, warm spices, and a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a tropical twist on a beloved classic.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir grated carrots, shredded coconut, and nuts (if using) into the wet mixture.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread with frosting, top with the second layer, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with extra shredded coconut or chopped nuts if desired. Chill before slicing for clean cuts.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture and texture.
- Sweetened shredded coconut adds both moisture and flavor to the cake.
- Make the cake a day ahead to allow flavors to develop.
- Optional: add 1/2 cup crushed pineapple for extra tropical flavor and moisture.
- Store cake in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg