Carrot Cake Recipe

Carrot Cake Recipe

Ingredients

**For the Cake:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
– 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
– 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
– 1/2 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

**For Topping:**
– 1/2 cup shredded carrots
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:**
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

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

4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:**
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and raisins.

5. **Bake the Cake:**
– Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. **Prepare the Frosting:**
– In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

7. **Assemble the Cake:**
– Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with shredded carrots and chopped nuts.

8. **Serve and Enjoy:**
– Slice and serve the cake. Enjoy the delicious flavors of this homemade carrot cake!

Feel free to make any adjustments to the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your baking!