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

1. Preheat oven to 350°F or 175°C and grease two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13-inch pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

3. In another bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Add eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla extract.

4. Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, nuts, coconut, and raisins.

5. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes for round pans or 45-50 minutes for a 9x13-inch pan until a toothpick comes out clean.

6. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice until fluffy.

8. Frost cooled cake layers or 9x13-inch cake and garnish with nuts if desired.

9. Slice and serve the carrot cake. Enjoy!

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!