Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake, with its moist crumb and rich flavor, masterfully combines freshly grated carrots with warm spices, often adorned with a velvety cream cheese frosting. This beloved dessert, balancing sweetness with a hint of earthiness, not only delights the taste buds but also provides a unique way to enjoy vegetables

Tasting Notes

This Carrot Cake boasts a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The moist texture, combined with the natural sweetness of grated carrots and the warmth of cinnamon, creates a harmonious blend of flavors. Topped with cream cheese frosting, each bite is a heavenly experience.

Ingredients

For the 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 cup vegetable oil
• 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 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Grater
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Place parchment paper at the bottom of each pan for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
8. For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the softened cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
9. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake.
10. Decorate with additional chopped nuts or shredded carrots if desired.

Pro Tips

• Grate the carrots finely for a smoother texture in the cake.
• Ensure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for a smoother frosting.

Variations

• Add raisins or dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness.
• Experiment with different nuts like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a unique flavor.

FAQs