Classic Carrot Cake

Here’s a classic carrot cake recipe that is moist, flavorful, and topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9×13-inch pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In another large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
   • Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using).
5. Bake the Cake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans or pour it into the 9×13-inch pan.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes for round pans, or 35-40 minutes for the 9×13-inch pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Prepare the Frosting:
   • In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Frost the Cake:
   • Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer.
   • Place the second cake layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
   • If using a 9×13-inch cake, simply spread the frosting over the top.
3. Serve:
   • Slice and serve your delicious classic carrot cake.

Enjoy your homemade classic carrot cake!