Ultimate Classic Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and Warm Spices | Flirt Recipes

Ingredients

• For the Carrot Cake Layers:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• For the Wet Ingredients:
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• For the Carrot Component:
• 3 cups fresh carrots, finely grated
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• For the Cake Enhancement:
• 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/4 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• For the Spice Blend:
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom
• For the Frosting Decoration:
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts for garnish
• Whole walnuts for decoration
• Orange zest for garnish
• For the Moisture Addition:
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon honey
• For Special Equipment:
• Two 9-inch round cake pans
• Electric mixer
• Box grater
• Wire cooling racks
• Offset spatula