A Simple Carrot Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the 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 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons 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)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Carrot cake Recipe Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until well combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts (if using).
6. Divide the 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 comes out clean.
8. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, remove them from the pans and place them on 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. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
10. Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
11. Decorate with additional grated carrots or chopped nuts if desired.
12. Slice, serve, and enjoy your homemade carrot cake!

This carrot cake is moist, flavorful, and topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting—a perfect dessert for any occasion.