Carrot Coconut Dream Cake
This Carrot Coconut Dream Cake is a nostalgic favorite that not only delights the palate but also warms the heart. Inspired by a cherished recipe from Recipezaar, this cake blends the sweet and earthy flavors of fresh shredded carrots with the tropical richness of flaked coconut and the crunch of walnuts. Moist and flavorful, it's perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy afternoon tea. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home, just as it has in mine!
N/A
Servings
267
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (sifted)
baking soda
2 teaspoons (none)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons (none)
white sugar
1 3/4 cups (none)
vegetable oil
1 cup (none)
eggs
3 (beaten)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
shredded carrots
2 cups (freshly grated)
flaked coconut
1 cup (none)
chopped walnuts
1 cup (optional)
crushed pineapple
8 ounces (drained) (canned)
cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
butter
1/4 cup (softened)
icing sugar
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
3
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the white sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a wooden spoon, mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
4
Fold in the shredded carrots, flaked coconut, chopped walnuts, and the drained crushed pineapple into the batter until evenly incorporated.
5
Pour the batter into the prepared 9x13 inch pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Note: Don’t worry if the center sinks a little; it's part of its charm!)
6
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
7
While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
8
Gradually add the icing sugar, mixing until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
9
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Feel free to leave the cake in the pan for easy serving or transfer to a serving plate if desired.
10
Slice, serve, and enjoy the deliciousness of your Carrot Coconut Dream Cake!
Nutrition Information
14
Fat
42
Carbs
2.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carrot Coconut Dream Cake?
It is a moist and flavorful cake that blends fresh shredded carrots with flaked coconut, crushed pineapple, and walnuts, topped with cream cheese frosting.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size pan is recommended for this recipe?
A 9x13 inch baking pan is recommended for this cake.
What are the main dry ingredients needed?
The main dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe calls for 3 beaten eggs.
Does this cake use butter or oil in the batter?
The cake batter uses 1 cup of vegetable oil.
Are the carrots shredded or chopped?
The recipe requires 2 cups of freshly grated shredded carrots.
Is coconut a required ingredient?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 cup of flaked coconut.
Are walnuts mandatory in this cake?
No, the 1 cup of chopped walnuts is listed as optional.
Does the recipe include pineapple?
Yes, it includes 8 ounces of drained crushed pineapple.
How long should the cake bake?
The cake should bake for about 45 minutes.
How do I test if the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Is it normal if the center of the cake sinks?
Yes, the instructions note not to worry if the center sinks slightly as it is part of its charm.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting is made from 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/4 cup of softened butter, and 2 cups of icing sugar.
When should I apply the frosting?
The frosting should be applied once the cake has cooled completely in the pan.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving contains approximately 267 calories.
How much fat is in a serving?
Each serving has 14 grams of fat.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 42 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in this cake?
Each serving provides 2.5 grams of protein.
Should the flour be prepared in any specific way?
The recipe specifies using 2 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Do I need to prepare the baking pan?
Yes, you should grease and flour the 9x13 inch baking pan.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The eggs should be beaten before being added to the batter.
What kind of sugar is used in the batter?
White sugar is used in the cake batter.
How much vanilla extract is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Can I serve the cake directly from the pan?
Yes, you can leave it in the pan for easy serving or transfer it to a plate if desired.
Is this a good recipe for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday and celebration cake.
What tools are suggested for mixing?
A wooden spoon and a mixing bowl are suggested for combining the ingredients.
Is the cream cheese used cold?
No, the cream cheese should be softened before making the frosting.
How much cinnamon is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon.
What makes this cake 'dreamy'?
The combination of moist carrots, tropical coconut, and sweet pineapple creates a rich and nostalgic flavor profile.