Indulge in the delightful flavors of Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, a classic dessert that combines moist carrot cake layers with rich and creamy frosting. Perfect for special occasions or simply as a sweet treat, this recipe will surely satisfy your dessert cravings.

Ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 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

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed in the batter.
6. Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
10. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
11. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
12. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer.
13. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
14. Optional: Decorate the cake with additional grated carrots or chopped nuts for garnish.
15. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.
16. Slice and serve the Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, and enjoy the deliciously moist and flavorful dessert!

Suggested Pairing:

Pair with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of cold milk for the perfect accompaniment to this classic cake.