Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 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, packed
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots (about 5-6 medium carrots)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

For Topping:

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions:

Making the Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil together until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, chopped nuts, and raisins if using.
5. Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake 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 transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Frosting:

1. Beat Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Layer the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
2. Add Nuts: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts or pecans over the top of the cake for garnish.
3. Serve: Slice and serve the cake. Enjoy the rich, moist texture of the carrot cake combined with the creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting.

This classic carrot cake is perfect for any occasion, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Enjoy!