Learn how to make this delicious Jamaican carrot cake recipe from scratch. It’s a completely eggless, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free sheet pan Caribbean cake. Moist and delicious, it’s packed with just the right blend of spices for a perfect bite every time. This cake is perfect for any special occasion, whether it’s a christening, anniversary, birthday, or dinner party. Whatever the event, this cake is an ideal choice to impress your guests.
What Is Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe?
Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe is a tasty dessert known for its spiciness, sweetness, and easy to make. It comes from Jamaica and has special spices like cinnamon, mixed spice, vanilla, nutmeg, and brown sugar. This cake makes the simple carrot the star, giving it a soft and moist texture that delights your taste buds. You can enjoy it with vanilla ice cream or your favorite flavor. It goes well with sparkling grape or white wine, making the flavors even better.
The recipe is easy to follow and suitable for both new bakers and experienced ones. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet or want to impress guests, the Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe is a hit for any occasion. Instead of the usual layered cake, this recipe suggests using a sheet pan. It’s eggless, vegan, and gluten-free, making it perfect for special events like christenings, anniversaries, birthdays, or dinner parties. The cake is moist, tasty, and just the right amount of spiciness.
The recipe for Jamaican Carrot Cake is more than just a delicious treat. It’s an experience that delights taste buds worldwide. It represents celebration and togetherness, reflecting Jamaica’s rich culture. Bringing a slice of the sunny Caribbean to your table, this island-inspired dessert is a culinary journey worth savoring.
If you’re interested in preparing this delectable treat in your own kitchen, let’s explore what makes the Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe with Rum so special. Additionally, I’ve got more tasty carrot cake recipes for you to try, such as the J. Alexanders Carrot Cake Recipe or Lloyd’s Carrot Cake Recipe.
Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
For the cream cheese frosting
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make an Easy Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prepare them.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 cup of vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Gradually add 4 large eggs to the wet mixture one by one, beating well after each addition to ensure thorough mixing.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones gradually, just until combined. Don’t overmix.
6. old in Grated Carrots:
Gently fold in 2 cups of grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 2: Baking the Cake
1. Divide Batter and Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly and pour it into the prepared cake pans.
- Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
2. Cooling:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
1. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in Vanilla:
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Assembling and Frosting the Cake
1. Assemble Cake:
- After the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one of the cake layers.
2. Stack and Frost:
- Place the second cake layer on top and cover the top and sides of the entire cake with cream cheese frosting.
3. Optional Garnish:
- Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts or additional grated carrots.
4. Serve:
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious Jamaican Carrot Cake.
Tips for the Best Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe
- Add crushed pineapple to the batter for enhanced moisture.
- Add oil for an extra soft texture.
- Finely grate carrots for the best softness and a delightful earthy flavor.
- Refrigerate the carrot cake for up to three days to keep it soft.
- Cover with foil to maintain softness.
- Avoid freezing without cover to prevent stiffness.
- Experiment with gluten-free flours from reputable brands for a dietary variation.
- Consider omitting the topping for simplicity.
- If skipping, add an extra ½ cup of sugar to avoid a flat taste.
- Keep it easy, moist, and delicious.
Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 6 |
| Calories | 540 kcal |
| Total Fat | 83 g |
| Saturated Fat | 23 g |
| Total Carbohydrate | 138 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 14 g |
| Sugar | 72 g |
| Protein | 33 g |
| Sodium | 875 mg |
| Cholesterol | 67 mg |
| Potassium | 300 mg |
| Vitamin A | 9357 IU |
| Vitamin C | 7 mg |
| Calcium | 160 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
FAQ’s about the Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe
Can I use butter instead of oil for the carrot cake?
Using butter will make the cake slightly drier. Stick to oil for better moistness and an extended shelf life.
Is it better to make carrot cake the day before?
Yes, making it a day before enhances moisture, and cream cheese topping layers set, resulting in a better taste.
How do I make Jamaican carrot cake vegan?
Substitute almond milk for eggs and use vegan cream cheese for the topping for a genuinely vegan-friendly version.
Can I make this recipe flourless by using only almond flour?
No, the recipe is specifically designed for a combination of two types of flour.
Can you use an alternative sweetener?
Yes, but adjustments may be needed; raw organic cane sugar is sweeter than coconut sugar.
My cake hasn’t baked after 40 minutes?
Baking time can vary; continue baking covered with foil until a knife or skewer comes out clean.
Some Additional Information
- Use both oil and crushed pineapple for a super moist cake.
- Soften butter overnight for room temperature use.
- Don’t overmix the batter for a light texture.
- Grate carrots finely for the best results.
- When grating carrots, use the finer side for better texture.
- Drain crushed pineapple thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Adjust the amount of spices to your taste.
- Customize with dried fruits or seeds as desired.
- Cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut are optional but recommended for added flavor.
The traditional Jamaican Carrot Cake recipe is more than a dessert. It is a journey to the heart of Jamaican culture and taste. We recommend that you try your hand at making this hobby and share the joy with your loved ones.
If you tried making this Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe, please share your thoughts with a 5-star rating and comment below. Your feedback helps others decide if they want to try it too. Share your baking success on social media and tag me at “acrispycookies” on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. I am excited to see your yummy creations.
Happy Baking! 🍰😊
Delicious Jamaican Carrot Cake Recipe At Home
Ingredients
For the cake:
- o 2 cups all-purpose flour
- o 2 cups grated carrots
- o 1 cup granulated sugar
- o 1 cup packed brown sugar
- o 1 cup vegetable oil
- o 4 large eggs
- o 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- o 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- o 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- o 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- o 1/2 teaspoon salt
- o 1 teaspoon baking powder
- o 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
For the cream cheese frosting:
- o 8 oz 225g cream cheese, softened
- o 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- o 4 cups powdered sugar
- o 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prepare them.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup packed brown sugar, and 1 cup of vegetable oil. Mix until well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla:
- Gradually add 4 large eggs to the wet mixture one by one, beating well after each addition to ensure thorough mixing.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones gradually, just until combined. Don't overmix.
- Fold in Grated Carrots:
- Gently fold in 2 cups of grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 2: Baking the Cake
- Divide Batter and Bake:
- Divide the batter evenly and pour it into the prepared cake pans.
- Smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cooling:
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat together 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup (1 stick) of softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in Vanilla:
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Assembling and Frosting the Cake
- Assemble Cake:
- After the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one of the cake layers.
- Stack and Frost:
- Place the second cake layer on top and cover the top and sides of the entire cake with cream cheese frosting.
- Optional Garnish:
- Optionally, garnish with chopped nuts or additional grated carrots.
- Serve:
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious Jamaican Carrot Cake.
