Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Introduction

Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a classic and beloved dessert that combines the sweetness of carrots with the creamy tanginess of cream cheese. This moist and flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to potlucks.

Ingredients and Equipment

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious carrot cake with cream cheese frosting:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• For the cream cheese frosting:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• 9-inch round cake pans
• Cake tester
• Cake stand or plate

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour your cake pans.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Add the eggs, oil, grated carrots, pineapple, nuts, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.
5. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. For the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
7. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until creamy and smooth.
8. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting.
9. Decorate with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Tips for Success

To ensure your carrot cake with cream cheese frosting turns out perfectly:

• Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for the frosting.
• Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.
• Grate the carrots finely for a more even distribution throughout the cake.
• Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Serving Suggestions

Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special treat. Pair it with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.

Nutritional Information

One slice of carrot cake with cream cheese frosting (assuming 12 slices per cake) contains approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 25g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 40g
• Protein: 5g

Conclusion

Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a delightful and comforting dessert that is sure to please your friends and family. With its moist crumb and rich frosting, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.