Carrot Cake Trifle Recipe – Moist, Creamy & Easy to Make
This Carrot Cake Trifle Recipe combines moist spiced carrot cake, creamy cream cheese frosting, and delightful layers of flavor in an easy-to-make dessert. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or a sweet treat, this trifle is beautiful, delicious, and completely customizable.
Equipment
- ✔ Mixing Bowls – For preparing the cake batter and frosting
- ✔ Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – For smooth frosting
- ✔ Whisk & Spatula – For mixing and folding ingredients
- ✔ 9x13-inch Baking Pan – To bake the carrot cake
- ✔ Parchment Paper – To prevent the cake from sticking
- ✔ Wire Rack – For cooling the cake
- ✔ Large Glass Trifle Bowl – To assemble the trifle
- ✔ Piping Bag (Optional) – For neat frosting layers
Ingredients
- Carrot Cake:
- 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger optional
- ¾ cup 180ml vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ¾ cup 150g granulated sugar
- ¾ cup 150g brown sugar
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups 200g shredded carrots
- ½ cup 120ml buttermilk
- ½ cup 60g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup 60g shredded coconut (optional)
- ½ cup 60g raisins (optional)
- Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz 225g cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups 240g powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 –2 tablespoons heavy cream optional, for smoother consistency
- Additional Layers Optional:
- Crushed graham crackers or Biscoff cookies – For crunch
- Caramel sauce – For extra sweetness
- Whipped cream – To lighten the texture
- Chopped nuts – For garnish
- Shredded coconut – For extra flavor
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Cake
- 1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- 2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- 3️⃣ In another bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- 4️⃣ Fold in shredded carrots, buttermilk, walnuts, coconut, and raisins.
- 5️⃣ Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- 6️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- 7️⃣ Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1️⃣ In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
- 2️⃣ Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until well combined.
- 3️⃣ Mix in vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream (if using). Beat until creamy and spreadable.
- Step 3: Assemble the Carrot Cake Trifle
- 1️⃣ Cut the cooled carrot cake into small cubes or crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
- 2️⃣ In a trifle dish, start with a layer of carrot cake, followed by a layer of cream cheese frosting.
- 3️⃣ Add optional layers like whipped cream, caramel sauce, or crushed cookies.
- 4️⃣ Repeat the layers until the dish is full, ending with frosting on top.
- 5️⃣ Garnish with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or a caramel drizzle.
- 6️⃣ Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving for the best flavor.
Notes
Make Ahead: The trifle can be assembled a day in advance for enhanced flavor.
Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Variations: Try adding pineapple chunks, white chocolate shavings, or a splash of rum for a unique twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Lighter Frosting Alternative: Mix cream cheese frosting with whipped cream for a fluffier texture.
Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Variations: Try adding pineapple chunks, white chocolate shavings, or a splash of rum for a unique twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
Lighter Frosting Alternative: Mix cream cheese frosting with whipped cream for a fluffier texture.