Heavenly Pennsylvania Dutch Carrot Cake
This delightful carrot cake, inspired by a cherished recipe from Yankee magazine, brings warmth and nostalgia to any gathering. Originating from a neighborly gesture of sharing, this cake has an interesting tale of being introduced to a restaurant chef who was so enamored by its flavors that he couldn’t resist begging for the recipe. This cake is perfect for special occasions or a cozy evening at home. With its rich layers of freshly grated carrots and a luscious cream cheese frosting, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a beloved favorite at parties and potlucks alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
granulated sugar
2 cups
all-purpose flour
2 cups
cinnamon
1 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
baking soda
2 teaspoons
large eggs
4 (beaten)
corn oil or canola oil
1 cup
freshly grated carrots
3 cups (grated)
cream cheese
4 ounces (at room temperature)
sweet unsalted butter
1/2 cup (at room temperature)
powdered sugar
1 (1 lb) box
pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch metal cake pan, lightly dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
3
Add the eggs, corn or canola oil, and freshly grated carrots to the dry mixture. Using an electric mixer, beat for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides frequently, until all ingredients are well incorporated and the batter is smooth.
4
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, spreading it out evenly.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
6
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
7
For the frosting, in a separate mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, sweet unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
8
Generously spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled carrot cake, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this carrot cake recipe?
The recipe is for Heavenly Pennsylvania Dutch Carrot Cake.
What is the origin of this specific carrot cake recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a cherished recipe from Yankee magazine and has roots in Pennsylvania Dutch traditions.
Who was famously enamored by this recipe?
A restaurant chef was so impressed by the cake's flavors that he begged for the recipe.
What type of baking pan is required?
You should use a 9x13-inch metal cake pan.
How should the cake pan be prepared?
Grease the pan and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What dry ingredients are used in the batter?
The dry ingredients include granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
How long should the cake batter be beaten?
The batter should be beaten for about 2 minutes with an electric mixer.
What types of oil can be used?
You can use either corn oil or canola oil.
How many eggs are needed for this cake?
The recipe calls for 4 large beaten eggs.
How many cups of carrots are required?
You need 3 cups of freshly grated carrots.
How long does the cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for 55 to 60 minutes.
How do I test if the carrot cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Should the cake be cooled before frosting?
Yes, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before applying frosting.
What ingredients are in the cream cheese frosting?
The frosting consists of cream cheese, sweet unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract.
How much cream cheese is used for the frosting?
The recipe requires 4 ounces of cream cheese.
What should be the temperature of the frosting ingredients?
The cream cheese and butter should both be at room temperature.
How much powdered sugar is needed for the frosting?
You will need one 1-lb box of powdered sugar.
How long should the frosting be beaten?
Beat the frosting for about 2 minutes until it is smooth and creamy.
What is the serving size for this cake?
The serving size is not specified, but it is baked in a 9x13 inch pan.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as perfect for special occasions, parties, and potlucks.
Does this recipe include cinnamon?
Yes, it includes 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How much vanilla extract is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract in the frosting.
Can I use salted butter for the frosting?
The recipe specifically calls for sweet unsalted butter.
How much all-purpose flour is required?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much granulated sugar is needed for the batter?
The recipe requires 2 cups of granulated sugar.
How much baking soda is used in the recipe?
The cake requires 2 teaspoons of baking soda.
What is the texture of the frosting?
The frosting is described as luscious, smooth, and creamy.
How much salt is added to the batter?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is considered a traditional Pennsylvania Dutch comfort food recipe.