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Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a must-try!

Jack’s Carrot Cake is a rich and flavorful dessert packed with juicy raisins, grated carrots, pineapple, coconut, and walnuts—layered with tangy cream cheese frosting. Moist, nostalgic, and full of comforting textures, it’s the ultimate showstopper for spring holidays, birthdays, or cozy weekend baking.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cake1 cup raisins2 tablespoons dark rumButter and flour for preparing pans2 cups all-purpose flour1½ teaspoons baking powder1½ teaspoons baking soda½ teaspoon salt1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon2 cups granulated sugar¼ cup vegetable oil3 whole eggs1 cup unsweetened applesauce1½ teaspoons vanilla extract2 cups grated carrots1 cup crushed pineapple with juice1 cup sweetened shredded coconut plus 2 tablespoons for garnish1 cup chopped walnuts, plus 2 tablespoons for garnish
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting1 cup unsalted butter softened2 packages cream cheese, 8 oz each, softened2 teaspoons vanilla extract2 pounds powdered sugar

Method
 

  1. Microwave raisins and dark rum for 1 minute, then set aside to soak.Butter and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.In a stand mixer, cream sugar and vegetable oil on medium speed for 1 minute.Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add applesauce and vanilla, then mix and scrape down the sides of the bowl.Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed until just combined.Stir in grated carrots, crushed pineapple (with juice), and shredded coconut.Fold in soaked raisins and chopped walnuts by hand.Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer cakes to wire racks and remove parchment while still warm.To make the frosting, beat softened butter and cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth.Add vanilla, then gradually beat in powdered sugar until frosting is light and creamy.Level the cakes if necessary. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate with a small dab of frosting underneath to keep it steady.Spread a 1/4-inch layer of frosting on top. Add the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.Use a star tip and pastry bag to pipe decorative borders. Sprinkle the remaining coconut and walnuts over the top.Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Notes

Soaking the raisins in rum boosts flavor—orange juice works as an alcohol-free substitute.
Make ahead by baking the cake layers one day early and refrigerating them tightly wrapped.
You can freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to one month. Thaw before frosting.
Use a serrated knife or cake leveler for clean layers if they dome slightly during baking.