Incredibly moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with rich cream cheese frosting, this cake delivers unbeatable flavor in every bite. What makes it extra special? It’s made with applesauce instead of oil or butter, plus crushed pineapple for an ultra-soft, tender crumb.
This is more than just a cake—it’s a family favorite, passed down through generations and guaranteed to impress at birthdays, holidays, and gatherings
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra moist thanks to pineapple & applesauce 🍍
- No oil or butter needed
- One-bowl, easy-to-make recipe
- Perfect balance of sweetness and spice
- Crowd-pleasing and foolproof
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 16)
🍰 Cake
Group 1:
- 1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce (or oil)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
Group 2:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Group 3:
- 2 cups freshly grated carrots
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (with juice, not syrup)
🧀 Cream Cheese Frosting
- ½ cup butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 lb powdered sugar
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Preheat
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease baking pan(s)
2. Mix batter
- Combine Group 1 ingredients
- Add Group 2 ingredients and mix
- Stir in Group 3 ingredients
➡️ Mix until just combined
3. Bake
- Pour batter into:
- 9×13 pan OR
- two 9-inch pans OR
- three 8-inch pans
➡️ Bake:
- 35–40 minutes (9×13 or 9-inch pans)
- 25–30 minutes (8-inch pans)
➡️ Until toothpick comes out clean
4. Cool
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes
- Transfer to rack and cool completely
5. Make frosting
- Beat butter and cream cheese until fluffy
- Add vanilla and powdered sugar
- Mix until smooth
6. Assemble
- Frost between layers and over cake
- Chill for 1 hour before serving
💡 Tips
✔ Use freshly grated carrots (not pre-shredded)
✔ Don’t drain the pineapple—it adds moisture
✔ Toast nuts for extra flavor 🌰
✔ Use parchment paper to prevent sticking
🔄 Variations
✨ Add raisins (½ cup) for extra texture
✨ Make cupcakes (bake 18–22 minutes)
✨ Skip nuts for nut-free version
✨ Add orange zest for citrus twist 🍊
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- With coffee or tea ☕
- For birthdays or celebrations 🎉
- With extra frosting drizzle 🤤
- Garnished with coconut or pecans
❓ FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day.
Why is it so moist?
Thanks to applesauce and crushed pineapple.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze unfrosted for best results