BEST CARROT CAKE EVER
Indulging in a mouthwatering slice of carrot cake is a true delight for dessert enthusiasts. The perfect combination of moistness, sweetness, and the natural goodness of carrots makes it a favorite treat for many. In this article, we delve into the world of the Best Carrot Cake Ever, exploring its origins, sharing expert baking tips, and uncovering secrets to create a cake that will leave you craving for more.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 2 cups all-purpose flour | – |
| 2 cups grated carrots | – |
| 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar | – |
| 1 cup vegetable oil | – |
| 4 large eggs | – |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | – |
| 1 teaspoon baking powder | – |
| 1/2 teaspoon baking soda | – |
| 1/2 teaspoon salt | – |
| 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon | – |
| 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg | – |
| 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves | – |
| 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained | – |
| 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) | – |
Cream Cheese Frosting:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 8 oz cream cheese, softened | – |
| 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened | – |
| 4 cups powdered sugar | – |
| 1 teaspoon vanilla extract | – |
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts (if using).
- 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.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
Assembling the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
- Optional: Garnish the cake with additional grated carrots or chopped nuts.
