Carrot Cake

Indulge your senses in a delightful symphony of spice and sweetness with our Carrot Cake recipe. This classic dessert is a celebration of flavors, combining the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the natural sweetness of carrots for a truly irresistible treat. Join us as we explore the world of Carrot Cake and discover how this humble vegetable transforms into a moist, flavorful cake that will leave you craving more.

One of the hallmarks of a great Carrot Cake is its moist and tender texture, and our recipe delivers just that. The combination of grated carrots, oil, and eggs ensures that every slice is moist and packed with flavor. The addition of crushed pineapple adds an extra layer of moisture and sweetness, making each bite a delight for the taste buds. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a decadent dessert after dinner, this cake is sure to please. Additionally, cinnamon and nutmeg lend a warm, comforting aroma to the cake, while the grated carrots add a natural sweetness and a moist texture. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors, with the spices complementing the carrots to create a cake that is both comforting and indulgent.

Carrot Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed in various forms, from a classic layer cake with cream cheese frosting to cupcakes, muffins, or even a sheet cake for larger gatherings. The cream cheese frosting, with its tangy sweetness, pairs perfectly with the spiced cake layers, creating a dessert that is both visually stunning and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

For the cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 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 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the cream cheese frosting

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (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 medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
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.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
10. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
11. Decorate the cake with chopped nuts, if desired, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.

To ensure the best outcome:

• Be sure to use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and texture.
• Drain the crushed pineapple well to remove excess moisture.
• For a more indulgent treat, add a handful of raisins or shredded coconut to the batter.
• Store leftover cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

So whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or simply craving a comforting dessert, Carrot Cake is always a crowd-pleaser. Its rich flavor, moist texture, and beautiful presentation make it a standout dessert for any occasion. Decorate it with chopped nuts, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of elegance, and watch as your guests indulge in every delightful bite.

Follow us on Instagram at @etherealbakes_blog