Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups grated
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream cheese frosting:
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, beat together the oil and sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until well combined.
7. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the cream cheese frosting:
1. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until well combined.
3. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake and serve.
Enjoy your delicious homemade carrot cake! This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or just a weekend treat. The nutmeg adds a lovely depth of flavor to the cake, while the cream cheese frosting adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. Remember to allow the cake to cool completely before frosting, as this will ensure that the frosting stays in place and doesn’t melt. You can also add some chopped pecans or raisins to the batter for added texture and flavor. Happy baking!