Carrot Poke Cake

User Reviews

4.8

126 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    20 mins

  • Cook Time

    35 mins

  • Total Time

    55 mins

  • Servings

    20 pieces

  • Calories

    695 kcal

  • Course

    Dessert

  • Cuisine

    American

Carrot Poke Cake

Carrot Poke Cake is a moist carrot cake featuring grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and sweetened shredded coconut mixed into a spiced batter. After baking, warm buttermilk glaze is poured over the cake’s surface, soaking into holes poked to hold the glaze. The cake is topped with a cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut flakes, creating layers of moist, creamy, and textured flavors.

Description

Carrot Poke Cake combines classic ingredients including grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and sweetened coconut into a cinnamon- and baking-soda-leavened batter made with buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and sugar. The cake bakes until springy to the touch, then holes are poked across its surface to absorb a warm buttermilk glaze, which adds moisture and a subtle tang.

The topping of cinnamon-scented cream cheese frosting adds richness and smooth texture, contrasting the moist crumb and pieces of coconut in the batter. Toasted coconut sprinkled on top introduces a delicate crunch and a toasty flavor that complements the sweetness.

This cake suits gatherings where a moist, flavorful carrot cake is desired and can be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its texture. Multiple methods for toasting coconut are provided, including stovetop, oven, and microwave techniques. Additionally, the notes include a homemade buttermilk substitute using vinegar and milk for convenience.

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Ingredients

Servings

Cake

  • 2 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 3 egg large
  • 3/4 c. buttermilk
  • 3/4 c. vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 c. sugar
  • 2 c. carrot peeled and grated
  • 1 1/2 c. sweetened flaked coconut
  • 8 oz pineapple drained, crushed, canned

Buttermilk Glaze

  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. buttermilk
  • 1/2 c. butter
  • 1 Tbsp light corn syrup
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/4 c. butter softened
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 c. powdered sugar

Topping

  • 1/4 c. coconut toasted

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 13×9 in pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside. For cake, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
  2. Place eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and sugar in a large bowl and mix until smooth. Slowly add in dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in carrots, coconut, and pineapple. Pour batter evenly into prepared pan and bake 35 to 40 minutes or until cake springs back when pressed.
  3. While the cake is baking prepare the glaze. Add sugar, buttermilk, butter, corn syrup and baking soda to medium sized saucepan over medium heat. Vigorously stir mixture for about 8 minutes. The glaze with turn a light amber color. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Set aside until ready to use.
  4. When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately poke holes in cake. Pour the buttermilk glaze evenly over the top of the hot cake. Let cake cool completely.
  5. For the frosting mix together cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add brown sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Slowly add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Spread evenly over cooled cake. Top with toasted coconut.

Notes

  • Toast coconut carefully using stovetop, oven, or microwave to achieve golden color and enhance flavor.
  • Homemade buttermilk can be made by adding 1 Tbsp white vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit five minutes before use.
  • Store the cake in the refrigerator to keep it set and fresh.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1 Calories 695kcal (35%) Carbohydrates 108g (36%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 28g (43%) Saturated Fat 20g (100%) Cholesterol 57mg (19%) Sodium 410mg (17%) Potassium 239mg (5%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 85g (170%) Vitamin A 4390IU (88%) Vitamin C 2.5mg (3%) Calcium 53mg (5%) Iron 1.8mg (10%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 20pieces

Amount Per Serving

Calories 695 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1
Calories 695kcal 35%
Carbohydrates 108g 36%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 28g 43%
Saturated Fat 20g 100%
Cholesterol 57mg 19%
Sodium 410mg 17%
Potassium 239mg 5%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 85g 170%
Vitamin A 4390IU 88%
Vitamin C 2.5mg 3%
Calcium 53mg 5%
Iron 1.8mg 10%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.8

126 reviews
Excellent

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