I'll admit, that up until recently, carrot cake was my least favorite of all the cakes. It wasn't until I made this recipe that I completely changed my mind about carrot cake. Who knew that a cake packed with fruits and vegetables could be so delicious?

Not me!

But that is exactly what this cake is. Moist and oh so delicious!

How to Make It

Well, since I have made this recipe before, I thought it was only right to make a video so you can see for yourselves! Also, wait till the end to see how I decorated the cake (three different ways, although I only showed two).

But in case you like pictures and words, here is a brief recap of how to make it.

First mix together the sugar, eggs, apple sauce, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.

Until it's nice and smooth.

Sift in the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Then mix until everything is incorporated.

Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, coconut (preferably unsweetened), and chopped pecans.

Then pour the batter into whichever vessel you would like to bake your cakes in. I have baked this in a sheet pan, a square pan, cupcake tin, even a waffle iron! But for this cake, I baked the cakes in two cake pans.

To make sure the cakes are even, I actually weigh the batter in each pan. OCD much? I am really not, but I just like knowing that my cakes will be as even as possible.

Finally, decorate your cake however you wish! I highly recommend frosting the cake with cream cheese frosting, because that is really the best frosting for carrot cake.

But if you prefer buttercream, I highly recommend this Swiss buttercream recipe, which is my absolute favorite.

However you choose to frost this cake, or even if you leave it completely naked, you will love this cake. I can say that confidently as a former non-carrot cake lover.

And, if you happen to have any leftover batter, you can make waffles with it!

Recipe

The Best Ever Carrot Cake

Prep Time: 20 min Cook Time: 30 min Total Time: 50 min

Makes 18 cupcakes, 2 8-9" cake layers or 3-4 6" cake layers

Ingredients

3 cups (389 g) flour
2 tsp (10 g) baking powder
1 tsp (5 g) baking soda
1 tsp (2 g) cinnamon
1/2 tsp (3 g) salt
1/4 tsp (>1/2 g) nutmeg
1 cup (258 g) apple sauce
2 cups (423 g) sugar
4 large eggs
4 tbsp (60 ml) maple syrup
2 tsp (10 ml) vanilla
2 cup (211 g) grated carrots (about 6 med-lg carrots)
1 cup (71g) shredded unsweetened* coconut
1 cup (100 g) pecans, crushed or processed
1 cup (257 g) fresh pineapple, pureed or canned crushed pineapple in juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the bottom of two cake pans with parchment paper. Spray the bottom of the pans with baking spray, then stick the parchment on top.
In a small bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the apple sauce, sugar, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla until blended. Gradually spoon in flour mixture and mix until smooth.
Fold the carrots, coconut, pecans, and pineapple into the batter until everything is evenly distributed.
Pour batter into the pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Remove cake from the oven and let cool on the counter until it comes to room temperature. Turn the cake onto a cooling rack. Flip right side up, then spread frosting over the top