The Most Amazing Dessert Recipe

I have a real passion for my Live Well Bake Often Carrot Cake. Freshly grated carrots, aromatic cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla join perfectly to create a uniquely moist treat. With chopped walnuts and raisins optional and a creamy icing made from unsalted butter and cream cheese, each slice is simply irresistible.

I’ve gotta say, I was super excited when I first discovered The Most Amazing Dessert Recipe. This Original Carrot Cake Recipe from Live Well Bake Often is seriously a game-changer.

I mean, who doesn’t love cake? This Perfect Carrot Cake is easy enough even if you’re not a fancy baker.

The mix includes 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, some baking soda, a touch of salt, and eggs for richness. I also threw in 1 cup of vegetable oil, granulated and brown sugar, and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to give it that signature flavor.

And you cant forget the star ingredient – 3 cups of freshly grated carrots. I even added some optional walnuts and raisins for that extra crunch.

Then there’s the dreamy cream cheese icing, made with cream cheese, unsalted butter, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Trust me, once you try this DIY Carrot Cake, you’ll be hooked!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this carrot cake recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I really dig how moist and flavorful it comes out every time – the grated carrots and oil give it a richness that’s hard to beat. Second, the cream cheese icing is my absolute favorite part; its creamy texture and sweet tang make every bite way more exciting. Third, I appreciate how the mix of ingredients, like chopped walnuts, raisins, and even pineapple, gives the cake a fun twist on the traditional flavor. And lastly, I like that it’s simple enough to make for parties or just a cozy treat at home, making me feel like an awesome home baker every time I whip it up.

Alright, so here’s what I think about the recipe itself: This carrot cake recipe from Live Well Bake Often is seriously the best ever. Its super easy to make and comes out so moist that you wont believe how delicious it is. I mean, after a few bites, you’re gonna be hooked on that dreamy cream cheese icing that is so creamy and sweet you might even lick the bowl clean. It doesnt matter if its a holiday, a party, or just a regular day when you need a treat – this cake totally wins because it always impresses my friends and family with its amazing flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• Freshly grated carrots: provide fiber, natural sweetness, vitamins, and a moist texture.
• Large eggs: supply protein and help bind the ingredients for a perfect structure.
• Cream cheese: adds rich tang, creaminess, and smooth, luscious icing flavor.
• Crushed pineapple: contributes extra tang, moisture, and a refreshing sweetness.
• Chopped walnuts: offer crunchy texture, healthy fats, and nutty flavor notes.
• All-purpose flour: supplies carbohydrates which give structure and a light, soft crumb.
• Granulated sugar: adds natural sweetness and helps to create a tender, moist dessert.
• Baking powder: acts as a leavening agent that helps the dessert rise and become fluffy.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups freshly grated carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (for the cream cheese icing)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for the cream cheese icing)
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for the cream cheese icing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the cream cheese icing)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch pan or two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon until it’s well combined.

3. In a large mixing bowl, beat 4 large eggs, 1 cup vegetable oil, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture looks smooth.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently so you dont overmix it.

5. Fold in 3 cups freshly grated carrots along with 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 1/2 cup raisins, and 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (make sure it’s drained) until evenly distributed.

6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and smooth out the top with a spatula.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean; if using round pans, start checking at 30 minutes.

8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan(s) on a wire rack before frosting.

9. For the cream cheese icing, beat together 8 oz cream cheese and 1/2 cup unsalted butter (both softened) until they’re creamy. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the icing is smooth.

10. Once the cake is cooled, generously spread the cream cheese icing over the top (or between layers) and enjoy your most amazing dessert!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – Needed to preheat at 350°F for baking the cake
2. 9×13 inch pan or two 9-inch round cake pans – Greased with butter or cooking spray before pouring in the batter
3. Mixing bowls – A medium bowl for the dry ingredients and a large bowl for beating the wet ingredients
4. Whisk – For combining the dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon
5. Electric mixer – Useful for beating the eggs, oils, sugars, and later for mixing the cream cheese icing
6. Grater – For freshly grating the carrots
7. Spatula – For gently stirring the batter and smoothing out the top before baking
8. Measuring cups and spoons – To accurately measure out your ingredients
9. Wire cooling rack – To quickly cool down the cake once it’s out of the oven before applying the icing

FAQ

The Most Amazing Dessert Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• All-purpose flour – You can try using a mix of whole wheat and cake flour for a slightly nuttier flavor, though it might be a bit denser.
• Vegetable oil – Melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce can be a good switch. They can add moisture and a hint of flavor that’s different but still delish.
• Eggs – If you’re out of eggs or want a vegan twist, mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg and let it sit for a few mins.
• Granulated sugar – Coconut sugar is a good alternative. Its richer taste might darken the dessert a bit, but its natural sweetness works.
• Cream cheese – If you can’t find cream cheese, mascarpone or well-drained Greek yogurt can be used for the icing, just be prepared for a slightly lighter texture.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure to stir the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated so you dont overmix it, cause overmixing can make your cake dense rather than light and fluffy.
2. If using the crushed pineapple, drain it really well before you add it in. Extra moisture can make the batter too wet and mess up the texture of your cake.
3. Freshly grated carrots really makes a difference versus the store bought ones. They keep the cake moist and give it a natural sweetness that pre grated ones dont compare to.
4. Let your cake cool completely before frosting it. If it’s even a little warm the cream cheese icing might melt and slide all over the place.
5. If you wanna switch things up or add a little extra spice, consider a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor that really pops.