Here’s a delicious recipe for what could be deemed the “Best Carrot Cake Ever.” It’s moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 4-5 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined. Set aside.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the cake: 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 of the cakes comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating well after each addition, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Assemble the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
- Serve: Slice and serve the carrot cake, and enjoy!
This carrot cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday celebration or simply a weekend treat. The combination of moist cake and creamy frosting is sure to be a hit with everyone!
