Shortcut Carrot Cake – Indulge in the heavenly flavors of our irresistible Shortcut Carrot Cake! This delectable dessert will leave you craving for more. Made with a convenient shortcut, this cake is perfect for those times when you want to enjoy a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen. Bursting with moistness, warmth, and the natural sweetness of carrots, this cake is truly a crowd-pleaser. Join us on a journey of taste and texture as we unveil the magic of this delightful carrot cake!
Picture this: It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, and the aroma of spices fills the air as you walk into the kitchen. The table is set, and your loved ones gather eagerly, knowing that something special is in the oven. As the oven timer dings, you take out the most exquisite Shortcut Carrot Cake you’ve ever made. The cake is moist, fluffy, and bursting with flavors, and your family’s eyes light up with joy. Every bite is a delightful journey through layers of carrot-infused goodness, complemented by the creamy cream cheese frosting. This recipe has become a cherished tradition in our household, and it brings us closer together with each slice. Now, let us share the magic of this cake with you!
Why This Shortcut Carrot Cake Will Win Your Heart?
- Convenience and Speed: With the help of a spice cake mix, this recipe cuts down on preparation time without compromising on taste. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a homemade carrot cake without the hassle.
- Bursting with Flavors: This cake combines the warm, aromatic spices of a traditional spice cake with the natural sweetness of shredded carrots and crushed pineapple. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Divine Cream Cheese Frosting: The luscious cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the moist cake. Its smooth and creamy texture adds a tangy sweetness that balances the flavors of the cake.
- Textural Delights: As you savor each bite, you’ll encounter the delightful crunch of chopped pecans and the subtle chewiness of sweetened shredded coconut. These ingredients add an enjoyable contrast of textures to the cake.
Ingredients:
Cake:
- 1 box (18 ounces) spice cake mix (such as Betty Crocker’s Super Moist)
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) melted butter, cooled
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup (237 ml) water
- 2 cups (240 grams) freshly shredded carrots
- 1 cup (227 grams) drained crushed pineapple (8-ounce can)
- 1 cup (113 grams) chopped pecans, divided (3/4 cup for the cake, 1/4 cup for topping)
- 1/2 cup (40 grams) sweetened shredded coconut
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (240 grams) powdered sugar
- 1 container (8 ounces) Cool Whip Topping, thawed
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two cake pans.
In a mixing bowl, beat the spice cake mix, melted and cooled butter, eggs, and water on high speed until well combined.
Gently fold in the shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, 3/4 cup chopped pecans, and shredded coconut until everything is evenly distributed.
Divide the batter between the two cake pans, tapping them lightly on the countertop to release any air bubbles.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cakes are perfectly done.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, and then transfer them to a cooling rack. It’s best to wait until you can comfortably hold your hand on the bottom of the pan before turning the cakes out.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Gently fold the Cool Whip topping into the cream cheese mixture, creating a fluffy and velvety frosting.
Assemble and Frost:
Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer onto a tray or cake plate.
Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the first cake layer.
Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted one, ensuring that the layers align perfectly.
Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting, creating a smooth and decadent finish.
Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top of the cake for an added touch of crunch and visual appeal.
Notes:
- If you don’t have access to a spice cake mix, you can create your own by adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to a yellow cake mix.
- Feel free to customize the cake by adding raisins or substituting walnuts for pecans.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and enjoy it chilled.
Indulging in a slice of our Shortcut Carrot Cake is like experiencing a little taste of heaven. This recipe, with its convenient shortcut and delectable flavors, has won the hearts of our loved ones and become a cherished tradition in our household. The combination of moist, spice-infused cake, sweet carrots, juicy pineapple, crunchy pecans, and creamy cream cheese frosting creates a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a desire for a comforting treat, this cake is sure to bring joy and satisfaction to your taste buds. So, grab a fork and savor each delightful bite of this irresistible Shortcut Carrot Cake that will surely become a favorite in your home too. Happy baking and bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
While this recipe specifically calls for a spice cake mix, you can experiment with other flavors if you prefer. Keep in mind that the resulting taste and texture may differ from the original recipe.
Can I omit the coconut?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of coconut or have dietary restrictions, you can omit it from the recipe without affecting the overall result.
How long does this cake stay fresh?
Properly stored in the refrigerator, this carrot cake will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. However, we doubt it will last that long before it’s all gone!
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Shortcut Carrot Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box 18 ounces spice cake mix (such as Betty Crocker's Super Moist)
- 1/2 cup 113 grams melted butter, cooled
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup 237 ml water
- 2 cups 240 grams freshly shredded carrots
- 1 cup 227 grams drained crushed pineapple (8-ounce can)
- 1 cup 113 grams chopped pecans, divided (3/4 cup for the cake, 1/4 cup for topping)
- 1/2 cup 40 grams sweetened shredded coconut
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 2 packages 8 ounces each cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups 240 grams powdered sugar
- 1 container 8 ounces Cool Whip Topping, thawed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the spice cake mix, melted and cooled butter, eggs, and water on high speed until well combined.
- Gently fold in the shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, 3/4 cup chopped pecans, and shredded coconut until everything is evenly distributed.
- Divide the batter between the two cake pans, tapping them lightly on the countertop to release any air bubbles.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This indicates that the cakes are perfectly done.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, and then transfer them to a cooling rack. It's best to wait until you can comfortably hold your hand on the bottom of the pan before turning the cakes out.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold the Cool Whip topping into the cream cheese mixture, creating a fluffy and velvety frosting.
Assemble and Frost:
- Once the cakes have completely cooled, place one layer onto a tray or cake plate.
- Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the first cake layer.
- Carefully place the second cake layer on top of the frosted one, ensuring that the layers align perfectly.
- Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting, creating a smooth and decadent finish.
- Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top of the cake for an added touch of crunch and visual appeal.
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