Homemade Carrot Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• 4 large eggs

• 2 cups grated carrots

• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and vegetable oil until well combined.

4. Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth.

5. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped nuts.

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. Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is well combined and fluffy.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Once the cake layers have 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.

3. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped nuts or shredded carrots for decoration.

4. Slice and serve your delicious homemade carrot cake.

Enjoy your homemade carrot cake, a delightful and classic sweet treat!