Toasted Coconut Carrot Cake

Everyone likes carrot cake. Everyone. If you met someone that says they don’t, well, they haven’t had it or aren’t really your friend. With that said, I hate to admit that I had never attempted to make one myself. I know… the shame!

I’ve always loved the bit of sweetness in the frosting balanced perfectly with the carrot and spices. Although, to me, it creates a very autumnal experience, there are some mornings when you wake up just wanting to have that exact taste right in front of you. Preferably covered in frosting. Everything is better covered in frosting.

This is a fairly traditional carrot cake. Cinnamon, shredded carrots, sugar… you get the drift. Typically, nuts (walnuts) are added to the cake batter and then used to decorate the as well. While I did this (who doesn’t want more walnuts?!), I also decided to add a bit of toasted coconut to the lateral ends of the cake. I have been obsessed with toasted coconut this year.

I usually hate coconut. Seriously… hate it. However– something magical happens when you toast it. Almost like an evil step-sister in a Disney movie that finds true love and becomes an eternally-happy, singing bird or something. It’s that magical. Oh… and lateral means sides. Typically a medical/anatomical term. Perhaps not the best type of work to use to describe something you will later eat. But… eh. </nerd>

You can’t make a proper carrot cake unless it is in layers. I wouldn’t trust a single-layer carrot cake. Although, I am sure I would have to give it a thorough taste test. It just wouldn’t be right. Sorta like eating school cafeteria pizza without ranch. You get me? I thought so.

A crumb coating is what will save you hours and hours of tears and frustration when baking cakes. It’s simply a thin coating of the frosting you will use to coat the cake, cooled (I chill mine for a full hour) and then a clean, pearly white layer is applied over it. It will leave you with a smile and a beautiful cake. Who wouldn’t want technically two layers of frosting anyway?

Ice, ice, ice this baby up and decorate it however your little sugar-coated carrot-loving heart desires. Walnuts, coconut, sprinkles… who cares. Baking someone a cake is an act of love. You could probably throw rocks on top and people would still enjoy it.

This cake is basically considered a vegetable. One of the most important food groups of the day. Doctor’s say that. It must be true. So, enjoy and go share!

What is your favorite veggie-turned-sweet dessert? Let us know below!