The Best Carrot Cake Recipe Ever

1. Grate your carrot using the small hole of a box grater. This will produce the best shape and texture carrots for your cake. Do not use storebought as they will be dry and too big. 
2. Place a pizza or baking stone onto the cooking grids of your cold barbecue. Light all burners to low and preheat the barbecue to 350°F (177°C).
3. Prepare your chosen cake pans by spraying or buttering and laying down parchment. This recipe will do two 9-inch, three 8-inch, four 6-inch, or a 9x13-inch.
4. Sift together the dry ingredients, including the flour, spices, salt, powder, and soda. Remove about 1 tbsp of the dry mixture and toss the raisins so that they do not sink to the bottom of the cake.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, vanilla, applesauce, and sugars. Using a stand mixer, beaters, or a whisk, slowly stream in the oil so that the wet ingredients emulsify.
6. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and then fold in the carrots and raisins. 
7. Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans using your favorite measurement method.

8. Turn off the burners below the baking stone and turn the ones to either side of the baking stone up slightly to balance the heat. Place your filled cake pans onto the baking stone and close the lid. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. You may add smoke with apple or cherry wood if you so choose at this time. We suggest going very light on the smoke flavor. 

   They take approximately:

   • Two 9-inch – 30 min
   • One 9 x 13-inch – 40 min
   • Three 8-inch – 35 min
   • Four 6-Inch – 40 min
   • Cupcakes – 20 mins
9. Using heat-safe gloves, remove the cakes from the barbecue and allow them to cool on a rack. You can cool completely in the pans or allow them to cool for 10 to 15 mins and turn them out onto a wire rack carefully. For easiest icing of these cakes, once cool, wrap in cling-film and place into the fridge to chill.
10. While waiting for the cakes to cool, mix the icing. Using a stand mixer or hand beaters combine the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla. Add the powdered sugar in about a cup at a time until you have your desired thickness and flavor. 
11. Make sure to level your cakes before layering by removing any doming with a serrated knife. Begin construction by placing a small dollop of icing onto your plate or cake board. Place the first layer down and spread out some icing. You can top this with nuts, add caramel, or leave with just icing. Repeat until you are satisfied with your layers. Top the top layer with icing and you can use any remaining icing to ice the sides. Decorate your cake using the remaining nuts. 
12. It is highly recommended that you chill this before serving for the cleanest cuts possible. 

With the best carrot cake recipe ever, you can easily see how a vegetable can become a decadent and delightful dessert. There was a café in town that served the most amazing carrot cake that they baked fresh daily. It’s always around the time that the sun starts peaking out and the snow begins to melt that I get a craving for their cake. Now we can all make the best carrot cake at home. What is your favorite barbecued dessert recipe? Share your barbecue dessert recipes, ideas, and photos on our social pages like Facebook and TikTok, using the hashtags #NapoleonEats and #NapoleonGrill.

Happy Grilling!