Magnolia Bakery is renowned for its delectable desserts, and one of the most beloved treats on its menu is the carrot cake. This moist and flavorful cake has captured the hearts of many with its perfect balance of sweetness and spice. If you’re craving a slice of this heavenly dessert but want to try making it at home, we’ve got you covered with the best easy Magnolia Bakery carrot cake recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 1/2 cup applesauce
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups grated carrots
– 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts (if desired).
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
9. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
10. Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on the top of one cake layer.
11. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
12. Optional: Garnish the cake with additional chopped walnuts and grated carrots for a decorative touch.
Now that you have the best easy Magnolia Bakery carrot cake recipe, it’s time to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy this delicious cake with a cup of tea or coffee, or share it with friends and family for a delightful dessert.
Q&A:
1. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative?
– Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
2. Can I use vegetable shortening instead of vegetable oil?
– Yes, you can use vegetable shortening as a substitute for vegetable oil, but it may affect the texture of the cake slightly.
3. Can I omit the walnuts from the recipe?
– Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you prefer a nut-free carrot cake.
4. How should I store the leftover cake?
– Store the leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
5. Can I freeze the carrot cake?
– Yes, you can freeze the cake without the frosting for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
6. Can I use a different frosting instead of cream cheese frosting?
– Yes, you can use a vanilla buttercream frosting or a whipped cream frosting as alternatives.
7. Can I use canned carrots instead of grated carrots?
– It is not recommended to use canned carrots as they may be too soft and have a different texture.
8. Can I add raisins to the cake batter?
– Yes, you can add raisins to the cake batter for an extra burst of sweetness.
9. Can I make cupcakes instead of a cake with this recipe?
– Yes, you can use this recipe to make delicious carrot cake cupcakes. Adjust the baking time to around 20 minutes.