Classic Carrot Cake

Ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake:

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

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

Instructions:

For the Carrot Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
3. In another large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gently fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and any optional add-ins (walnuts or pecans, and shredded coconut) into the batter.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
7. Divide the batter equally between the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

Assembly:

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer.
2. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
3. Optionally, decorate the cake with additional chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or extra grated carrots.
4. Slice and serve your delicious homemade carrot cake!

This classic carrot cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want a delightful, moist, and spiced dessert. Enjoy!