Carrot Pound Cake

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked Carrot Pound Cake filling your kitchen, bringing warmth and nostalgia with every bite. This delightful cake, packed with grated carrots, coconut, and pecans, takes about 90 minutes to prepare and bake. The secret to its tantalizing texture lies in the combination of moist ingredients and precise baking techniques.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress friends and family at gatherings or simply indulge in a treat at home. It’s an excellent choice for birthdays, potlucks, or as a comforting dessert. If you’re planning ahead, the cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring you always have a slice ready when cravings hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The delicate crumb of the cake makes each bite melt in your mouth.
• The combination of spices adds a warm, comforting flavor profile.
• Cream cheese frosting perfectly complements the cake’s sweetness.
• This cake stays moist and delicious for days.

What You’ll Need

Gather the ingredients below to create your Carrot Pound Cake, complete with rich cream cheese frosting.

For the Cake

• 1½ cups unsalted butter, softened (339g) (This is equivalent to 3 sticks)
• 2 cups sugar (400g)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (200g)
• 5 large eggs, room temperature (place in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes to speed up the process)
• 3½ cups cake flour (399g) (We used Swan’s Down)
• ½ teaspoon baking powder (2g)
• ½ teaspoon salt (3g)
• 2½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (5g)
• ¾ teaspoon ground ginger (2g)
• 1 cup buttermilk (235g)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (8g)
• 2¼ cups freshly grated carrots (small pieces) (200g) (Don’t use the packaged pre-shredded carrots as they are too dry)
• ¾ cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 8 oz can crushed pineapple, drained
• ¾ cup chopped pecans

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (113g) (This is equivalent to one stick)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4g)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (1g)
• 3-3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (345g)

Using freshly grated carrots enhances moisture.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use margarine instead of butter if needed.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk.
• Pecans can be replaced with walnuts or almonds.
• Coconut can be omitted for a less sweet flavor.

How to Make It

Mixing and baking your Carrot Pound Cake is straightforward with these steps.

Preheat and Grease

Preheat the oven to 325℉. Grease and flour a tube pan with a 12-cup baking capacity to prepare for baking.

Cream the Butters and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

Add Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each egg before adding the next. This will ensure a smooth batter.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. This dry mixture will create the structure of the cake.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Fold in Carrots and Other Ingredients

Gently fold in the grated carrots, sweetened coconut, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans. This adds moisture and texture to your cake.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan and bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Yes, wrap tightly for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm slices.

Tips for Best Results

• Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing.
• Grate fresh carrots just before adding them to retain moisture.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting for the best application.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
• Top with extra pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Perfect for family gatherings or as a dessert at celebrations.