As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, November invites us to cozy up with comforting flavours. One of my all-time favourite desserts to celebrate this season is a classic Carrot Cake. With its warm spices and creamy frosting, this cake is sure to be a hit at any fall celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups grated carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to ensure your cake comes out easily.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the vegetable oil, eggs, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts (if you’re using them), and vanilla extract.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Once done, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
6. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until creamy.
7. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top, then place the second layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake, making it as pretty as you like!
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