Best Carrot Cake Ever

Carrot cake is a classic and beloved dessert known for its moist texture and the sweet, spiced flavor of carrots. Here’s a recipe for a delicious carrot cake that many consider to be the best ever:

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 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (canned or fresh)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

Instructions:

For the Carrot Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves (if using).
3. In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil and eggs. Beat them together until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped nuts (if using), and raisins (if using). Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Divide the cake batter evenly 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 about 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until the frosting is smooth and well combined.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.

To Assemble:

1. Place one of the cooled carrot cake layers on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the first cake layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
4. Optionally, garnish the cake with chopped nuts or additional grated carrots.
5. Slice and serve your delicious carrot cake.

Enjoy your homemade carrot cake! It’s a classic dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays.