Pat's Award-Winning Carrot Cake

This recipe for Pat's Award-Winning Carrot Cake is a must-try for all carrot cake lovers. It is incredibly delicious and moist, with a perfect balance of flavors. The cake is made with freshly grated carrots, pineapple, and a blend of warm spices. The cream cheese frosting adds a creamy and tangy touch that complements the cake beautifully. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering dessert!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Mix well.
3. Add the vegetable oil and eggs to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
4. Stir in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, chopped walnuts or pecans (if using), and raisins (if using). Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Once the cake is completely cooled, prepare the cream cheese frosting. To make the frosting, you will need:
9. 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
10. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
11. 4 cups powdered sugar
12. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
14. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
15. Add the vanilla extract and mix until the frosting is light and fluffy.
16. Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
17. Garnish with additional chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired.
18. Slice and serve the delicious carrot cake to enjoy!

Interesting Facts