Carrot cake is a delicious and moist cake that incorporates grated carrots into the batter. The carrots add both flavor and moisture to the cake. Here’s a basic recipe for a classic carrot cake:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut (if using), and chopped nuts (if using).
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
- Optional: Decorate the cake with additional chopped nuts or shredded coconut.
- Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade carrot cake!
Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Some people like to add raisins or change the nut selection, so feel free to get creative!
