Carrot cake is a delicious and classic dessert that many people love. Here's a recipe for a perfect carrot cake:

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots (about 6 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13 inch rectangular cake pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in the grated carrots, nuts (if using), and raisins (if using) until evenly distributed.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes for round pans or 35-40 minutes for a rectangular pan, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and cool completely on wire racks.
  8. To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
  9. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract and beat until smooth and fluffy.
  10. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and decorate with additional nuts or shredded carrots if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade carrot cake!