Friends, I have been dying to show you this recipe! Carrot and coconut flakes in a cake? Yes, Yes, Yes!!! Seriously, nothing could be better. My mint tea has found a new bestie in this Old Fashioned Carrot Cake.

This carrot cake is filled with warm spices, flaky coconut, and shredded carrots. It is unbelievably moist and perfect for when you want a treat that isn’t overly sweet.

AND the creamy cream cheese frosting is everything! I won’t lie. This carrot cake is delicious on its own without a frosting. BUT, the cream cheese frosting used in this recipe is so cheesy, creamy, and yummy that I couldn’t resist adding it.

If you happen to love cream cheese frosting, you should also try my Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting or Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting – they definitely won’t disappoint! But for now, let’s get back to this heavenly carrot cake recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Carrot Cake Recipe

• It’s classic. If you love old-fashioned baking, this is the recipe to make. Carrot cake has stood the test of time, reigning as one of the most recognizable and classic desserts. If you’ve never made one, now is the time!
• My recipe is easy to follow. It guides you through making a gorgeous layered carrot cake. And you don’t have to be a professional to make it. Your family or guests will be so impressed by the outcome. Not only is it pretty to look at it, but it is a dream to eat.
• It’s perfect for holidays and celebrations. Not quite sure what to make for Easter? Or Mother’s Day? Or what to bring to the next family gathering? This cake is the answer! No matter what you’re celebrating, this dessert is sure to win everyone over.

Ingredients Needed

Here is what you need for the best carrot cake:

Let’s talk about this cake for a minute. It is so easy to make. It requires simple baking ingredients, such as all purpose flour, sugar, vegetable oil, and leavening agents. However, it also has some special ingredients that give it some pizzaz! Here are some notes about them:

• Grated Carrots: Of course, it’s not a carrot cake without some grated carrots! You’ll want to use thin shredded pieces. If they are too thick, you will end up with chunky or chewy pieces that don’t seamlessly blend into the cake. Use a grater or food processor instead of chopping them by hand!
• Coconut Flakes: Coconut adds both texture and flavor to the cake. Although not every carrot cake recipe calls for them, I believe they add value to the recipe!
• Ground Cinnamon: This spice gives the cake a warm flavor. It is part of what makes old fashioned carrot cake so darn delicious and comforting!
• Apple Sauce: Apple sauce adds subtle sweetness while providing the cake with moisture. You can use homemade apple sauce or store-bought.

You will also need a few simple ingredients for the icing, such as cream cheese, butter, powdered or confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract:

P.S. Also check out my recipe for irresistible Salted Caramel Cake.

How To Make An Old Fashioned Carrot Cake

Here is how to make this traditional carrot cake:

1. Grease and flour the pans. Cover the bottom of the pans with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Combine flour and all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Then gradually add the wet ingredients and mix-ins to form a stunning orange-looking batter.
3. Stop mixing the batter once everything is thoroughly incorporated. It’s a one-bowl mixing affair!
4. Evenly distribute the carrot cake batter between the two cake pans, using cake strips if you have them.
5. Bake the cakes until thoroughly baked (a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean).
6. Let the cake cool on a wire rack while you make your cream cheese frosting.

How To Frost an Old Fashioned Carrot Cake

1. To make the frosting, mix the ingredients using an electric mixer or a stand mixer until smooth and fluffy.
2. Frost the cooled cake with your prepared piping bag and tip. Frost the bottom layer first, starting at the edges.
3. Entirely cover the bottom layer’s surface with stars.
4. Place the second cake onto the first and frost the top in the same fashion.

This cake has a moist texture, rich flavor, and the cake layers are so beautiful when frosted this way. It tastes even better the next day.

Classic carrot cake is a great thing to serve on a special occasion like Easter or memorable family gatherings. Slice and enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

You can switch up things and make this old-fashioned carrot cake recipe your own. Here are some suggestions:

• Spices: In place of the cinnamon, you can use nutmeg!
• Nuts: For a crunchy addition, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Pineapple: For a more tropical carrot cake, you can replace the applesauce with fresh pineapple pieces. The sweet and tart flavor of the pineapple pairs wonderfully with the cake and rich frosting.
• Raisins: Some people prefer to use raisins in their old fashioned carrot cake! You can always add some. I suggest soaking them in hot water for a few minutes first to help plump them up. Otherwise, they might try to absorb the liquid from the cake and make the cake itself dry.
• Coconut: If you don’t have access to coconut flakes, you can use coconut sweet, which is a sweet snack made from shredded and toasted coconuts!

Expert Tips

• Allow the cake to cool completely before you begin frosting it. If it is still warm, the icing will melt and become a mess, which you certainly don’t want!
• For best results, use fresh carrots and shred them yourself. Although buying pre-shredded carrots from the grocery store saves time, they are usually dry and don’t have as fresh a flavor.
• Use cake strips if you can! You just have to soak them in water, wring out the extra liquid, and then wrap them around the cake pan, securing them in place. The dampness from the strips protects the cake’s edges, so they don’t cook faster than the center. You can use them for any cake you make.
• When making the icing, it’s crucial to use softened butter and cream cheese; otherwise, it will come out lumpy and be hard to pipe. I suggest allowing them to sit at room temperature for a while. If you try to take a shortcut and soften them in the microwave, they might melt!
• To store carrot cake, let the layers cool completely then wrap them in plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze them. Assemble the layers with frosting before serving.

Recipe Frequently Asked Questions

More Cake Recipes

If you love this old-fashioned recipe, also check out these delicious cake recipes:

Pumpkin Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

CHRISTMAS FRUIT CAKE

Old Fashioned Fresh Apple Cake Recipe

Classic Chocolate Cake

Red Velvet Cake Recipe Without Buttermilk

Southern Lemon Pound Cake Recipe

And for an elegant but simple cake, make my Pear Almond Cake.

More Dessert Recipes

Love desserts? Check these out:

Sugar Coated Donuts

Mango Cream

Pumpkin Roll Cake

South African Malva Pudding Recipe

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