A classic old fashioned carrot cake with a moist texture, warm spices, and a rich cream cheese frosting. Perfect for any occasion and sure to please a crowd.
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups finely grated carrots
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts, crushed pineapple, and shredded coconut.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until smooth after each addition.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer.
Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake evenly.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.