Moist Carrot Cake

 Moist Carrot Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp milk (for desired consistency)

For Decoration:

• Pecan halves
• Chopped nuts for garnish around the base

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

In another bowl, beat the oil and eggs until combined.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts (if using).

3. Bake:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and smooth.

If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Assemble the Cake:

Place one layer of cake on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.

Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

6. Decorate:

Pipe swirls of frosting around the top edge of the cake and garnish each swirl with a pecan half.

Press chopped nuts around the base of the cake for added texture and flavor.

Enjoy your moist and delicious carrot cake!