Description

Carrot cake is a timeless favorite that combines the sweetness of carrots with warm spices, crunchy nuts, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. This recipe makes a moist and flavorful cake that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're baking for a special event or simply treating yourself, this carrot cake will impress

Ingredients

• For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 ¼ cups vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots (about 4 large carrots)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut (optional)
• ½ cup raisins (optional)
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for garnish, optional)

Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13-inch baking pan. If you prefer, you can also line the pans with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts or pecans, shredded coconut (if using), and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes (for round pans) or 45-50 minutes (for a 9x13-inch pan), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Cake
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice (if using) until the frosting is light and fluffy.

Step 8: Frost the Cake
If you’re using two round cake layers, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. If you’re using a 9x13-inch pan, simply spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cooled cake. Garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans if desired.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve this delicious carrot cake to your guests. The combination of moist cake and rich cream cheese frosting is sure to delight everyone at the table.

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tips:
Moisture and Flavor: Draining the crushed pineapple well will help prevent excess moisture in the cake while still providing a sweet, fruity flavor.

Customize Your Cake: Feel free to customize your carrot cake with additional mix-ins like shredded coconut or raisins. You can also omit them if you prefer a simpler cake.

Make Ahead: This carrot cake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.

Conclusion:
This classic carrot cake is a delightful dessert that combines a variety of textures and flavors. The warmth of the spices, the sweetness of the carrots and pineapple, and the crunch of the nuts all come together in perfect harmony, topped off with a rich cream cheese frosting. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this carrot cake is sure to impress and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy every bite!