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Muller

To-Die-For Carrot Cake

A super moist, flavorful carrot cake made with carrots, pineapple and coconut — topped with classic cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, potlucks or holiday treats.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 499

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ¼ cups unsweetened applesauce (or vegetable oil)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups grated carrots
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice)
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped nuts (optional — pecans or walnuts)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 lb powdered sugar
  • toasted pecans or extra shredded coconut Optional decoration

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or hand mixer
  • 9×13-inch pan (or round pans, as you prefer)
  • Parchment paper (optional)
  • Wire rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and prepare 9×13-inch pan or other pans as needed.
  2. In a large bowl, mix applesauce (or oil), sugar and eggs until smooth.
  3. Add flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon; mix until just combined.
  4. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple (with juice), shredded coconut, nuts (if using), and vanilla.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan(s) and bake 35–40 min (or 25–30 min for smaller pans), until toothpick comes out clean.
  6. Cool in pan 10 min, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely.
  7. For frosting: beat butter and cream cheese until smooth, add vanilla, then powdered sugar; mix until fluffy.
  8. Frost cooled cake, decorate if desired, and chill 1 h before serving.

Notes

- Applesauce can be replaced by oil.
- Use fresh grated carrots (not pre-shredded).
- Use pineapple with juice — do not drain.
- For less sweetness, reduce sugar slightly or use less on frosting.
- Cake freezes well — slice & wrap for long-term storage.