Spiced Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

local_grocery_store Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups carrots, grated
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

restaurant_menu Method

1. 1.Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. 2.In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
3. 3.In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. 4.Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. 5.Fold in the grated carrots.
6. 6.Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. 7.Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. 8.Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.While the cakes are cooling, make the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
10. 10.Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.
11. 11.Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake, then place the other cake on top of the frosting.
12. 12.Spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to create a crumb coat. Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes.
13. 13.Spread a thick layer of frosting over the entire cake, using a spatula to create swirls or peaks.
14. 14.Serve the cake immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve.

lightbulb_outline Tips

• chevron_rightMake sure to grate the carrots finely for a smooth texture in the cake.
• chevron_rightTo make the frosting easier to spread, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before using.