Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
This classic layer cake recipe is a great way to reap the healthy benefits of carrots. If you prefer, ease preparation and bake this dessert in a single layer and simply frost the top.
Ingredients
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Cake:
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2 cups flour
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2 cups sugar
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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2 teaspoons baking soda
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2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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pinch ground nutmeg
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1 teaspoon salt
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4 large eggs
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1-1/3 cups canola oil
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3 cups shredded carrots (about 6 medium)
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1 cup chopped pecans
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1/2 cup raisins (optional)
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Frosting:
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1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
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1 box (16 ounces) confectioners' sugar
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1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
1.
Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans.
2.
Cake: In a medium bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. In a large bowl, beat the eggs lightly to combine, and then whisk in the oil. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir to combine. Stir in the carrots and pecans, and the raisins, if using.
3.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Cool in pans on rack for 5 minutes. Remove cakes directly to rack to cool completely.
4.
Frosting: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, butter and vanilla. Spread the frosting between the layers and on the sides and the top of the cake. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Note
For an even simpler presentation, bake the batter in a 9 X 13-inch pan for 45 minutes and simply frost the top.
Nutrition information
Calories 612, Total Fat 41 g, Saturated Fat 12 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Sodium 433 mg, Carbohydrate 58 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 5 g.
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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