Indulge in this moist and flavorful carrot cake, packed with warm spices, sweet carrots, and a touch of pineapple. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion or casual gathering. It’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love!

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 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 granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Prepare Dry Ingredients:

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

4. In a large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated.
6. Stir in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Combine and Fold:

7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
8. Fold in the walnuts or pecans and shredded coconut if you are using them, for added texture and flavor.

Bake the Cake:

9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
11. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

12. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
13. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the frosting is well combined and smooth.
14. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Frost the Cake:

15. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer.
16. Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
17. Slice and enjoy your homemade carrot cake with its creamy, dreamy frosting!

This carrot cake is not only moist and delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite add-ins like nuts or coconut, or keep it simple with just carrots and pineapple. The cream cheese frosting adds the perfect touch of sweetness and tang, making every bite irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!