Carrot Cake

Ingredients

• 4 eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 stick butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan.
2. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, sugar, oil, and 2 teaspoons vanilla.
3. Stir in flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir in carrots and walnuts (optional). Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan.
5. To make the frosting, beat together cream cheese, butter, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Gradually beat in the confectioners' sugar until smooth.
6. Spread over cooled cake.

Interesting Facts

• Carrot cake is a popular dessert in many countries.
• Carrots are rich in beta-carotene which is a powerful antioxidant.
• The origin of carrot cake is unknown, but it has been around since the 19th century.