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
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

Instructions:

For the Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, 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. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar gradually, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Assembly:

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, 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 top with additional chopped nuts or shredded carrots.
4. Slice and enjoy your delicious homemade carrot cake!

Remember, feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Enjoy!