Luscious Cream Cheese Carrot Cake
Indulge in this rich and moist carrot cake, enhanced with the delightful sweetness of crushed pineapple and the crunch of pecans, making each bite a heavenly experience. This recipe, adapted from a classic Kraft version, incorporates the goodness of freshly shredded carrots and a luscious cream cheese frosting, transforming a simple dessert into a showstopper for any occasion. Adding golden raisins gives it an extra burst of flavor, while using a convenient spice cake mix makes preparation a breeze. Serve this cake chilled for a refreshing treat that family and friends will rave about!
18
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
spice cake mix
1 (18 ounce) (as per package directions)
eggs
3 (as called for by the cake mix)
oil
1/3 cup (as called for by the cake mix)
water
1 1/3 cups (as called for by the cake mix)
shredded carrots
2 cups (about 1/2 lb., or pre-prepared)
crushed pineapple
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
chopped pecans
1 cup, divided (3/4 cup for batter, 1/4 cup for garnish)
cream cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (softened)
powdered sugar
2 cups (none)
Cool Whip Topping
1 (8 ounce) container (thawed)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously spray an 11x13 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the spice cake mix according to the package instructions, ensuring to incorporate 1/3 cup of oil, 1 1/3 cups of water, and 3 eggs.
3
Fold in the shredded carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and 3/4 cup of chopped pecans, mixing until everything is evenly combined.
4
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly.
5
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6
While the cake is cooling, in a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
7
Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip topping, mixing until well blended and velvety.
8
Once the cake is cooled, carefully spread 1 1/2 cups of the cream cheese mixture atop the cake.
9
Using a spatula, evenly cover the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
10
Sprinkle the reserved 1/4 cup of chopped pecans on top for garnish.
11
Refrigerate the cake until you're ready to serve it, allowing the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
27g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this carrot cake recipe?
The recipe is for Luscious Cream Cheese Carrot Cake.
How many servings does this cake provide?
This recipe yields approximately 18 servings.
What size baking pan should be used for this recipe?
You should use an 11x13 inch baking pan.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What is the base mix for this carrot cake?
The recipe uses one 18-ounce package of spice cake mix.
How many eggs are required for the batter?
You will need 3 eggs for the cake batter.
How much oil is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of oil.
How much water should be added to the cake mix?
You need to add 1 1/3 cups of water.
How many carrots are used in this cake?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded carrots, which is about 1/2 pound.
Should the crushed pineapple be drained?
Yes, use one 8-ounce can of crushed pineapple that has been drained.
What type of nuts are used in this carrot cake?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped pecans, divided for different uses.
How are the pecans divided in the recipe?
Use 3/4 cup of pecans for the batter and reserve 1/4 cup for the garnish.
How long does the carrot cake need to bake?
The cake should bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
How do I check if the cake is done baking?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Does the cake need to cool before frosting?
Yes, the cake must cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
What ingredients make up the frosting?
The frosting is made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, and thawed Cool Whip.
How much cream cheese is needed for the frosting?
You will need two 8-ounce packages of softened cream cheese.
How much powdered sugar is used in the frosting?
The frosting requires 2 cups of powdered sugar.
Should the Cool Whip be frozen or thawed?
The 8-ounce container of Cool Whip should be thawed before use.
How is the frosting applied to the cake?
Spread 1 1/2 cups of the mixture first, then cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each slice?
Each slice contains 27 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of the cake?
There are 3 grams of protein per serving.
How should the finished cake be stored?
The cake should be refrigerated until you are ready to serve it.
Can I use pre-prepared shredded carrots?
Yes, you can use either freshly shredded carrots or pre-prepared ones.
Is this recipe considered easy to prepare?
Yes, using a spice cake mix makes the preparation process very simple.
What serves as the garnish for this cake?
The cake is garnished with 1/4 cup of reserved chopped pecans.
What makes this carrot cake texture moist?
The addition of shredded carrots and crushed pineapple ensures a rich and moist texture.
Is this cake suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its rich flavor and luscious frosting make it a showstopper for any occasion.