Carrot Cake Recipe

The beauty of a classic carrot cake lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The moist, tender crumb of the spiced cake, punctuated by the slight crunch of nuts and the subtle sweetness of carrots, creates a harmonious symphony in every bite. The addition of crushed pineapple adds a delightful hint of tropical brightness, while the raisins provide little bursts of chewiness.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven and prepare the pans:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. Combine wet ingredients:
   • In another large bowl, beat the sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix wet and dry ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. Add the extras:
   • Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, pineapple, and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed.
6. Bake the cake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Assemble the cake:
   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with a generous layer of cream cheese frosting.
   • Top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides of the cake.
9. Garnish and serve:
   • If desired, garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
   • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.