Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey with our incredible Carrot Cake recipe! This classic delight is more than just a cake; it’s a symphony of spices, a medley of textures, and a celebration of all things moist and delicious. Packed with carrots, nuts, and crowned with a velvety cream cheese frosting, this Carrot Cake is your ticket to a slice of heavenly indulgence.
Yield and Total Time: Yield: One 9-inch cake Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (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
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, preparing the canvas for your Carrot Cake masterpiece.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This aromatic blend of spices is the heart and soul of your Carrot Cake.
- In a large bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want a tender and moist cake.
- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts if you’re feeling nutty. The batter should be a colorful symphony of textures.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, let’s whip up the Cream Cheese Frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s lusciously smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled, generously slather the cream cheese frosting over the top. Get creative with your frosting design – after all, this is your edible masterpiece!
- Slice into your Carrot Cake, revealing the layers of carrot-studded goodness. Each bite is a journey into the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and moistness.
Summary:
There you have it – a Carrot Cake that’s not just dessert; it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. Share it with loved ones, savor it with a cup of tea, or treat yourself to a moment of sweet indulgence. With every bite, you’re tasting the warmth of spices, the sweetness of carrots, and the joy of homemade goodness. Enjoy!
Photo by: Ethan Calabrese