Description

Welcome, dessert lovers! Today, we’re diving into the sweet world of the Honey Bun Carrot Layer Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. This delightfully spiced cake, layered with a creamy cinnamon frosting, is perfect for any gathering or a sweet family treat. Whether you’re a fan of carrot cake, honey buns, or simply crave a dessert that’s both moist and flavorful, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Let’s bake up some joy!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake Layers:

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup melted butter
4 large eggs
2 cups finely grated carrots
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1–2 tbsp milk (optional for consistency)

For the Topping:

1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper for easy release.
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, melted butter, and eggs until smooth. Add in the carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract.
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing well.
Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon. If the frosting is too thick, add milk a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting on top.
Add the second layer and repeat the frosting, then add the third layer and frost the top and sides.
Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch.

Notes

Fresh Carrots: Using freshly grated carrots gives better moisture and flavor.
Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until ingredients are combined.
Drained Pineapple: Excess juice can make the batter too wet, so drain well for a perfect balance.