Description
Carrot Cake Poke Cake is a moist and spiced dessert made with classic carrot cake ingredients and topped with creamy cream cheese frosting that seeps into every hole, adding irresistible flavor and texture. Perfect for any celebration or cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 4–5 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix vegetable oil and eggs until well combined. Stir in grated carrots and crushed pineapple (if using).
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Fold in nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon or skewer to poke holes all over the cooled cake.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until creamy. Add milk if needed for consistency.
- Spread the frosting over the cake, ensuring it seeps into the holes.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for best texture and flavor.
- You can omit nuts for a nut-free version or substitute with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
- Optional ingredients like pineapple add moisture and sweetness.
- Chilling the cake helps the flavors meld and makes slicing easier.
- Dairy-free and gluten-free substitutions are available.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: carrot cake, poke cake, cream cheese frosting, moist carrot cake, Easter dessert, spiced cake