# What You Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
06 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
→ Wet Ingredients
10 - 1 cup vegetable oil
11 - 4 large eggs
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
→ Add-Ins
13 - 2 cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
14 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
15 - 1 cup well-drained crushed pineapple
16 - 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
17 - 8 ounces softened cream cheese
18 - 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
19 - 2 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar
20 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
21 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well blended.
03 - In another bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
04 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Gently fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts, crushed pineapple, and raisins if using until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
06 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
07 - Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
08 - Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
09 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt; continue beating until light and fluffy.
10 - Once cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with extra nuts or grated carrot if desired.
