Carrot Walnut Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional, for added moisture)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)
• Chopped walnuts or shredded coconut for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
   • In a large bowl, beat together the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
   • Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, pineapple (if using), and shredded coconut (if using).
3. Bake the Cake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
   • Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating until fluffy and smooth.
   • Add the vanilla extract and, if needed, milk to reach the desired frosting consistency.
5. Assemble the Cake:
   • Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting.
   • Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Optionally, garnish the cake with additional chopped walnuts or shredded coconut.
   • Slice and enjoy this moist, flavorful cake!

This Carrot Walnut Cake is a delicious, moist dessert with a perfect balance of spice and sweetness, topped with rich cream cheese frosting.