Carrot cake with cream cheese cream

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a classic and beloved dessert that combines the moist, spiced goodness of carrot cake with a rich, tangy cream cheese frosting. Here’s a detailed recipe to make this delicious treat:

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Carrot Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

3. Combine sugars and oil: In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.

4. Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.

5. Mix in carrots and pineapple: Stir in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple.

6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and shredded coconut, if using.

7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Beat cream cheese and butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.

2. Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until fully combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy.

3. Add vanilla and salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.

2. Add the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting.

3. Frost the cake: Spread the remaining cream cheese frosting over the top and sides of the cake.

Step 4: Garnish (Optional)

1. Decorate: Garnish the cake with additional chopped walnuts or pecans, or a sprinkle of shredded coconut if desired.

2. Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice and enjoy: Slice the cake and serve chilled or at room temperature.

This Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a comforting and delightful dessert that combines the warm spices of carrot cake with the creamy tang of cream cheese frosting. It’s perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or any time you want to enjoy a classic treat. Enjoy!