Best Carrot Cake Ever

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 40-45 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Intensity:

• Difficulty Level: Medium

Ingredients:

Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix until well blended.
   • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
   • Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, nuts, and coconut if using.
5. Bake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool:
   • Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
   • Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare Frosting:
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in vanilla extract until fully combined.
8. Assemble Cake:
   • Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
   • Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

Nutrition Information (per slice, assuming 12 slices):

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 55g
• Sodium: 450mg

Enjoy the Best Carrot Cake Ever!