For an extra layer of flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the batter. Ensure the Neufchatel cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the frosting. Chilling the cake overnight enhances the flavors and makes it easier to frost.
Experience the perfect harmony of flavors with this Carrot Cake. Moist, nutty, and infused with the tangy sweetness of pineapple, it's crowned with a luscious cream cheese frosting that will leave you craving more.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
Make cake: Sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl. Lightly beat eggs in a second large bowl; add sugar, buttermilk, applesauce, oil, and vanilla and mix until well combined. Stir buttermilk mixture, carrots, pecans, and drained pineapple into flour mixture just until mixed; pour into the prepared baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of cake comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Cool in the baking dish on a wire rack, about 1 hour. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap; refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight.
Make frosting: Beat together Neufchâtel cheese and 1 tablespoon reserved pineapple juice in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and salt; beat until frosting is smooth.
Spread frosting over cold cake.
For an extra layer of flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the batter. Ensure the Neufchatel cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the frosting. Chilling the cake overnight enhances the flavors and makes it easier to frost.
Alvah Huel
Jun 10, 2025The tip about toasting the pecans really elevated the flavor. Thanks for the suggestion!
Reynold Cartwright
Jun 2, 2025Could I substitute walnuts for pecans? I have a walnut tree in my backyard. (Chef's Note: Yes, walnuts work wonderfully as a substitute!)
Sebastian Breitenberg
Jan 13, 2025This cake is absolutely divine! The pineapple cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement to the moist carrot cake.
Braeden Prosacco
Jan 13, 2025I made this for a birthday party, and everyone raved about it. It's become my go-to carrot cake recipe.
Mariela Will
Sep 17, 2024The overnight refrigeration is key. The flavors deepen beautifully, and the cake is even better the next day.
Conrad Fahey
Sep 4, 2024I found the frosting a little too sweet for my taste, so I reduced the confectioners' sugar slightly. It turned out perfectly!
Bessie Walker
Jun 12, 2024My cake came out a little dense. Any suggestions? (Chef's Note: Be careful not to overmix the batter, and ensure your baking soda is fresh.)