Carrot Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1 1/2 cups all-purpose plus 1/2 cup whole wheat for a nutty note)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (or 1 cup brown sugar for deeper caramel flavor)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup vegetable oil (can substitute light olive oil or melted coconut oil for variation)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or applesauce for tenderness and healthier option)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely grated carrots ((about 4 medium carrots) squeeze out excess moisture if very wet)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
• 1/2 cup raisins or crushed pineapple (optional for sweetness and texture)
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch salt

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Preparation ---

2. 2

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan and line with parchment if desired.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

4. 4

   In another bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until glossy. Add oil, yogurt or applesauce, and vanilla, stirring until smooth.

5. 5

   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and fold gently until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, nuts, and raisins or pineapple if using.

6. 6

   --- Baking ---

7. 7

   Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

8. 8

   Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

9. 9

   Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

10. 10

    --- Frosting ---

11. 11

    Beat cream cheese and butter until creamy.

12. 12

    Add powdered sugar a cup at a time, then vanilla and salt. Taste and adjust sweetness.

13. 13

    --- Assembly ---

14. 14

    Spread the frosting over the cooled cake. Chill briefly to set the frosting for cleaner slices.