Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
Add-ins
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Prepare the Baking Pans: Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the vegetable oil until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Carrots and Pineapple: Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and nuts if using, mixing until well distributed.
- Bake the Cakes: Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the Cakes: Let cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a plate, frost the top, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides. Decorate as desired.
Notes
- Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best texture and flavor.
- To make ahead, store unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian