Copycat Preppy Kitchen Carrot Cake Recipe

Carrot cake holds a special place in my heart—it’s one of those desserts that feels like a hug in cake form. Moist, flavorful, and topped with the dreamiest cream cheese frosting, it’s a treat that wows every time. If you’ve never made carrot cake from scratch or just want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, then let me introduce you to the Preppy Kitchen Carrot Cake recipe.

How to make Preppy Kitchen Carrot Cake

Preppy Kitchen Carrot Cake is a beloved recipe crafted by John Kanell. It is known for its moist texture, balanced spices, and rich cream cheese frosting. This classic dessert features freshly grated carrots, chopped pecans, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all enveloped in a tender crumb.

Ingredients

The ingredients for Preppy Kitchen carrot cake are simple yet packed with flavor:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cake.
• 2 teaspoons baking powder – Keeps the cake light and airy.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps with a balanced rise.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth.
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg – For a subtle spice kick.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness in the cake.
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake.
• ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar – Adds richness and a slight molasses flavor.
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil – Ensures the cake is moist and soft.
• ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened applesauce – Adds moisture and a hint of natural sweetness.
• 4 large eggs – Binds the cake and helps it rise.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For a touch of flavor.
• 3 cups (300g) grated carrots – The star ingredient that gives the cake its classic texture and flavor.
• ¾ cup (100g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) – Adds nuttiness and texture.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened – The base of the frosting.
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened – Makes the frosting rich and creamy.
• 3 cups (375g) powdered sugar – Sweetens the frosting without being grainy.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate Carrots and Nuts

1. Gradually add the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
2. Fold in the grated carrots and optional chopped nuts using a spatula.

Step 5: Divide and Bake

1. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare the Frosting

1. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and continue beating until fluffy.

Step 7: Assemble the Cake

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
2. Add the second cake layer and cover the whole cake with frosting.
3. Decorate with additional chopped nuts or grated carrots, if desired.

Tips for Making the Perfect Carrot Cake

• Grate Fresh Carrots: Avoid pre-shredded carrots, as they tend to be dry. Freshly grated carrots provide better flavor and moisture.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the cake dense. Fold the ingredients gently.
• Room-Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth frosting, make sure your cream cheese and butter are soft and at room temperature.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining your cake pans ensures easy removal without sticking.
• Customize with Add-Ins: In moderation, you can add raisins, shredded coconut, or pineapple chunks for variety.
• Make Ahead: The cake layers can be baked daily and stored airtight. Frost the cake closer to serving time for freshness.

What to serve with

Carrot cake is a delicious and versatile dessert, often loved for its moist texture, comforting spices, and creamy frosting. John Kanell’s carrot cake recipe on Preppy Kitchen delivers all the flavors you’d expect in an indulgent carrot cake with a signature cream cheese frosting.

1. Beverages to Pair with Carrot Cake

Preppy Kitchen Carrot Cake pairs beautifully with a warm or cold drink that balances or enhances its sweet and spiced flavors.

Coffee and Espresso

Pairing notes: The bold, slightly bitter flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the Preppy Kitchen Carrot Cake and the tanginess of the cream cheese frosting.

Serve options:

• Black coffee or Americano for a more intense flavor balance.
• Latte or cappuccino with a hint of cinnamon for an indulgent pairing.

Tea

Pairing notes: Herbal and spiced teas echo the warm spices in the Preppy Kitchen Carrot Cake, creating a harmonious match.

Serve options:

• Earl Grey Tea: Its citrus infusion enhances the flavors of the Preppy Kitchen Carrot Cake.
• Chai Tea: The warming blend of spices mirrors the carrot cake’s ingredients.
• Cinnamon or ginger tea for a particularly cohesive pairing.

Milk

Pairing notes: A classic glass of milk works beautifully with carrot cake, softening the sweetness and richness for a comforting experience.

Serve options: Whole milk, almond, or oat milk are great choices, depending on dietary preferences.

Cocktails and Mocktails

Pairing notes: Sweet and spiced cocktails/mocktails can add a fun twist to your dessert course.

Serve options:

• Cinnamon-spiced Old Fashioned or a Ginger Mule.
• Carrot juice-based mocktail with a splash of orange or pineapple juice for citrus brightness.

2. Fruits

Fruits can add a light and fresh contrast to the carrot cake’s richness. Serve slices of fresh fruits such as:

• Pineapple: Complements the tropical flavors already present in some carrot cake recipes.
• Berries (Strawberries, Raspberries): Their tartness cuts through the sweetness.
• Oranges: A citrusy note enhances the carrot cake’s spice profile.

Roasted or Glazed Fruits

For a more indulgent option:

• Roasted pears or apples with cinnamon.
• Honey-glazed apricots or figs.
• Fruit Salad: A fruit salad with mint, honey, and a citrus dressing can be refreshing alongside carrot cake.

3. Ice Cream

Ice cream enhances the creamy texture of the frosting while contributing additional layers of flavor.

Recommended Flavors

• Vanilla bean ice cream: Classic and subtle enough to let the carrot cake shine.
• Cinnamon ice cream – Matches the warm spices.
• Cream cheese-flavored ice cream: A creative option that mirrors the frosting.
• Coconut ice cream – Adds tropical undertones.

4. Whipped Cream or Custard

A light dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of custard can balance carrot cake.

• Whipped Cream: Add whipped cream with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.
• Custard: Warm or chilled vanilla custard adds a luxurious touch.

5. Nuts

If your carrot cake doesn’t have nuts baked into it, serve it with nuts for added texture and richness.

• Toasted Nuts: Toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds sprinkled on top or on the side enhance the crunch.
• Nut Butter: A dollop of almond butter or peanut butter can complement the cake.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Preppy Kitchen carrot cake recipe usually calls for specific ingredients that contribute to its incredible taste and texture. If you need to make substitutions due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or ingredient availability, here’s a detailed guide to adapting the recipe while preserving its deliciousness.

1. All-Purpose Flour

Substitute: Whole Wheat Flour (creates a denser cake with a nutty flavor) or Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Mix to make the cake gluten-free.

Ratio: Use equal amounts of the substitute for all-purpose flour (1:1).

Extra Notes: Consider sifting gluten-free flour for a lighter texture.

2. Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar

Substitute:

• Coconut sugar or maple sugar (for both types of sugar).
• Honey or maple syrup can also be used, but they add moisture, reducing oil slightly.

Ratio: Replace sugar 1:1 with coconut or maple sugar. For liquid substitutes, use ¾ cup for every 1 cup of sugar, and adjust liquid oils accordingly.

Extra Notes: Brown sugar contributes moistness—try to retain it or use substitutes with similar moisture content.

3. Eggs

Substitute:

• Applesauce (¼ cup per egg).
• Mashed banana (¼ cup per egg, adds sweetness).
• Flax egg (1 flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg, whisk until gelatinous).

Extra Notes: These alternatives work well for vegan diets or egg allergies. Flax eggs are particularly good for maintaining structure.

4. Vegetable Oil

Substitute:

• Melted coconut oil (same quantity as vegetable oil, adds slight coconut flavor).
• Applesauce (½ cup of applesauce for every 1 cup of oil; reduces calories while keeping moisture).
• Greek yogurt (½ cup yogurt for every 1 cup of oil; adds tang and creaminess).

Extra Notes: Coconut oil results in a richer cake, while applesauce and yoghurt make it lighter.

5. Carrots

Substitute: Zucchini (grated) or sweet potato (finely mashed).

Extra Notes: Zucchini adds similar moisture and texture. Sweet potato slightly alters the flavor profile but keeps it close to the original.

6. Crushed Pineapple

Substitute:

• Applesauce (same quantity, adds moisture).
• Grated apple (similar texture and flavor).
• Mashed pear (same quantity, softer flavor).

Extra Notes: Pineapple contributes a tart sweetness—if using substitutes, taste and adjust sugar or spices.

7. Vanilla Extract

Substitute:

• Almond extract (use sparingly; ½ tsp for every 1 tsp of vanilla extract).
• Maple syrup (1:1 ratio for a sweeter flavor).

Extra Notes: Ensure the substitution aligns with other flavors in the recipe.

8. Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg)

Substitute: Adjust spices if needed.

• Pumpkin pie spice (a pre-blend of warming spices).
• Allspice or cloves (use sparingly; ¼ tsp for each spice amped up).

Extra Notes: Always taste-test as these spices can overpower the batter.

9. Baking Powder & Baking Soda

Substitute: These cannot easily be replaced, as they make the cake rise. However, you can ensure a similar effect by combining:

½ tsp baking soda + 1 tsp lemon juice (to mimic baking powder for every 1 tsp).

Extra Notes: Avoid skipping or substituting unless absolutely necessary.

Final Thoughts

Preppy Kitchen Carrot Cake is a showstopper on its own, but these accompaniments can transform your dessert experience into something memorable. 

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