Here’s a delicious recipe for a classic Carrot Cake:
### Classic Carrot Cake
#### Ingredients:
**For the Cake:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 cups grated carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
– 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
– 1 cup raisins (optional)
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1-2 tablespoons milk (optional, for consistency)
#### Instructions:
**1. Prepare the Cake:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until well combined.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using).
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
**2. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
**3. Assemble the Cake:**
1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the first cake layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and spread frosting evenly over the top and sides of the cake.
4. Decorate with additional chopped nuts or grated carrots, if desired.
5. Slice and enjoy your classic carrot cake!
