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Carrot Cake Jars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Layers of Carrot Cake and Cream Cheese Frosting in a Mason Jar
Layers of moist carrot cake and scrumptious cream cheese frosting in a cute jar!
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Serving Size 12

Ingredients

For the carrot cake

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar lightly packed
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ⅓ cup coconut oil melted
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ cups all purpose flour
  • ½ cup whole wheat flour
  • 2¾ cups grated carrots
  • 1 8oz. can crushed pineapple drained
  • ¾ cup unsweetened flaked coconut
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

For the cream cheese frosting and topping

  • 1 8oz. package light cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • ¾ cup chopped pecans or walnuts lightly toasted

Instructions

For the carrot cake

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 13x18" sheet pan (half sheet) with nonstick spray and parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In the bowl of your stand mixer with paddle attachment (or hand mixer), mix both sugars, melted butter, melted coconut oil, eggs and vanilla together on medium speed until smooth (about 1 minute).
  • Add cinnamon, cloves, baking soda, baking powder and salt, and continue mixing for 30 seconds, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary. Mix in both flours until just combined.
  • Fold in carrots, pineapple, coconut and pecans.
  • Pour batter into prepared half sheet pan and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. Allow to cool.

For the cream cheese frosting and topping

  • In the bowl of your stand mixer with paddle attachment (or hand mixer), beat cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until combined. 
  • With mixer on low, slowly add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, scraping sides of the bowl as necessary. Once incorporated, turn the speed up to medium and mix for 1-2 minutes until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the jars

  • Using a round biscuit or cookie cutter slightly smaller than your jar diameter, cut out cake rounds (as close together as possible for less waste). You can also create your own cutter using a can with the ends removed.
  • Transfer frosting to piping bag with round tip.
  • Layer jars with one cake round, a layer of frosting, another cake round and additional frosting. Repeat one more time or until your jar is almost to the top. You may need to lightly press down cake after each addition or gently tap bottom of jar after adding frosting.
  • Top each jar with toasted pecans (or walnuts).
  • Screw on lid and consume within 2 days, or place in refrigerator for up to 5 days. Jars can also be popped into the freezer up to 3 months.

Notes

Can I bake this cake in a 9x13 pan? You can absolutely bake this carrot cake in a regular 9x13 pan if you're forgoing the jars. Just be sure to grease the bottom and adjust baking time to 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick in the centre comes out clean.
Can I use vegetable oil? Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil in place of the melted butter and coconut oil.
Can I add raisins? You bet! I'm not a fan, but you can add up to half a cup if you'd like.