Best Carrot Cake

Recipe for a moist and flavorful carrot cake with cream cheese frosting:

Ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake:

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Mix Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and nuts if using.
5. Bake: 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 comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined.
7. Assemble: Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
8. Decorate (Optional): Decorate the cake with additional chopped nuts or shredded carrots if desired.
9. Chill (Optional): For best results, refrigerate the cake for a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Enjoy your delicious homemade carrot cake! Feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences.