Preparing a delectable carrot cake from scratch can be time-consuming, but with a bit of culinary ingenuity, you can elevate a simple spice cake mix into a delightful carrot cake that rivals any homemade version. By incorporating grated carrots, a medley of spices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting, your taste buds will be in for a heavenly treat. This recipe transforms a humble cake mix into an extraordinary dessert, sure to impress your family and friends.
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CARROT CAKE -DOCTORED CAKE MIX RECIPE
Nobody would ever believe that this amazing Carrot Cake recipe starts with a box of spice cake mix! The added carrots, coconut, pecans, and crushed pineapple add wonderful flavor!
Provided by Melissa Diamond
Categories Cakes and Cupcakes
Time 35m
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- In the bowl of your mixer combine the dry ingredients (cake mix, flour, sugar, salt, & spices) and whisk 30 seconds to throughly combine.
- To this add the eggs, milk, and sour cream and mix on medium speed for 1 minute ( a bit longer if using a hand held mixer). Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl and mix 1 minute more.
- Next, fold in the shredded carrots, coconuts, pecans, and drained crushed pineapple.
- Makes approximately 7 cups of batter.
- Pour into prepared pans and bake at 325 degrees. Check at 35 minutes, the cake will be slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted in the center should pull out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cut the butter into slices and add to the bowl of your mixer. Beat on low to medium speed until the butter is softened and smooth.
- Cut the cold cream cheese into pieces and add to the butter, beating at low to medium speed until incorporated. If you are using a hand mixer you may need to soften the cream cheese a bit more.
- Add the vanilla. Gradually add the powdered sugar beating on low speed until blended. Cover the bowl with a towel to keep down the cloud of powdered sugar.
- Increase mixing speed and beat until fluffy. Don't over beat or it will become too soft. If it becomes too soft, just refrigerate a short while to firm it up a bit.
- This frosting will pipe best if used while still chilled. You can make it in advance, refrigerate and when ready to use let it soften slightly (do not microwave) and remix.
- Will frost a 3 layer 8 or 9 inch cake.
DOCTORING THE BOX: CARROT CAKE FROM SPICE CAKE MIX
An easy and deliciously moist, doctor-the-box recipe for carrot cake! Perfectly paired with homemade cream cheese frosting!
Provided by Mary
Categories Dessert
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare pan(s) by spraying baking spray with flour or by lining with parchment paper. See notes below.
- Blend cake mix, water/pineapple juice mixture, vanilla, oil and eggs in large bowl at low speed until moistened, about 30 seconds. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in carrots, pineapple and pecans until incorporated throughout batter. Pour batter into pans and bake immediately.
- Baking times will vary depending on pans and oven. Bake until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Shield top of cake with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning if needed.
- Cool cakes in pans on wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan and continue to cool on wire rack until completely cool before frosting.
- Baking times:(2) 9 inch pans and 9 x 13 pan: 23 - 28 minutes8 x 4 loaf pans: 40 - 45 minutes
DOCTORING THE BOX: CARROT CAKE FROM SPICE CAKE MIX
An easy and deliciously moist, doctor-the-box recipe for carrot cake! Perfectly paired with homemade cream cheese frosting!
Provided by Mary
Categories Dessert
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare pan(s) by spraying baking spray with flour or by lining with parchment paper. See notes below.
- Blend cake mix, water/pineapple juice mixture, vanilla, oil and eggs in large bowl at low speed until moistened, about 30 seconds. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Stir in carrots, pineapple and pecans until incorporated throughout batter. Pour batter into pans and bake immediately.
- Baking times will vary depending on pans and oven. Bake until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Shield top of cake with aluminum foil to prevent overbrowning if needed.
- Cool cakes in pans on wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan and continue to cool on wire rack until completely cool before frosting.
- Baking times:(2) 9 inch pans and 9 x 13 pan: 23 - 28 minutes8 x 4 loaf pans: 40 - 45 minutes
- Cream Cheese Frosting
Tips:
- For a moister cake, use full-fat sour cream and vegetable oil.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of nutmeg to the cake batter for extra spice.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- For a cream cheese frosting that is not too sweet, use half the amount of sugar called for in the recipe.
- To make the frosting even more delicious, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Conclusion:
With a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can easily transform a boxed carrot cake mix into a delicious and impressive dessert. Whether you are a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these tips and tricks will help you create a carrot cake that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy dessert, reach for a box of spice cake mix and give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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