Name: Carrot Cake Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 store-bought pie crust, defrosted; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon fine salt; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 ½ cups shredded carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots); 6 ounces cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; ⅛ teaspoon fine salt; 1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, room temperature; Orange and green food gel

This Carrot Cake Pie is a delightful and unique twist on classic carrot cake. With a flaky pie crust, a moist and spiced carrot cake filling, and a creamy cream cheese frosting, this pie is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Festive: This pie combines the classic flavors of carrot cake with the convenience of a pie crust, making it a delicious and festive dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this pie is surprisingly easy to assemble and bake.
Beautiful Presentation: The decorated frosting and the combination of textures make this pie a visually appealing and impressive dessert.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Carrot Cake Pie:

For the Carrot Cake Pie:

Store-bought pie crust: Defrosted, for a flaky and convenient crust.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and texture to the cake filling.
Ground cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg: Adds a warm and comforting spice blend.
Baking powder and baking soda: Helps the cake filling rise and become light and airy.
Fine salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Vegetable oil: Adds moisture and tenderness.
Packed light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Egg: Room temperature, binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: Adds a touch of warmth and flavor.
Shredded carrots: Adds sweetness, moisture, and a vibrant orange color.

For the Frosting:

Cream cheese: Room temperature, creates a creamy and tangy frosting.
Unsalted butter: Room temperature, adds richness and flavor to the frosting.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and flavor.
Powdered sugar: Creates a sweet and smooth frosting.
Fine salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Milk or heavy cream: Room temperature, thins the frosting to the desired consistency.
Orange and green food gel: For decorating the frosting.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Carrot Cake Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a 9-inch pie pan with the defrosted pie crust, crimping the edges to create a decorative border. Refrigerate the prepared crust while you make the filling.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt for the cake filling.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and brown sugar until well combined. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough. Fold in the shredded carrots until evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into the prepared pie crust and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should feel slightly firm to the touch. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the pie is cooling, make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream, beating on low speed until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of milk or cream.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate

Divide the frosting into three portions. Leave one portion plain. Tint one portion orange and one portion green using the food gel. Frost the top of the cooled pie with the plain frosting. Use the orange and green frosting to create decorative carrot designs on top of the pie.

Step 8: Serve

Slice the Carrot Cake Pie and serve. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature butter, cream cheese, and eggs will blend more easily into the batter and frosting, resulting in a lighter and fluffier texture.
Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix gently until just combined.
Cool the pie completely: Frosting a warm pie will cause the frosting to melt. Make sure the pie is completely cool before frosting.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Pie

Dessert: This Carrot Cake Pie is a delicious dessert for any occasion, from a casual gathering to a special celebration.
Afternoon Snack: Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet afternoon treat.
Special Occasion: Garnish with additional chopped nuts, a dusting of cinnamon, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a more elegant presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can use a graham cracker crust or a homemade pie crust if you prefer.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Absolutely! Feel free to add shredded coconut, raisins, chopped nuts, or pineapple to the filling.

Can I make this pie without frosting?

Yes, the pie is delicious on its own, or you can top it with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a glaze.

How can I make this pie vegan?

You can try using vegan butter, cream cheese, and egg substitutes, and plant-based milk for the cake batter and frosting, but the texture and results may vary.

There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Carrot Cake Pie that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!