If you're on the hunt for a dessert that marries comfort with a touch of elegance, the Moist Carrot Delight is your answer. With its blend of spices, a hint of pineapple, and a lush cream cheese frosting, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
The backbone of this cake is all-purpose flour, providing the structure. We use a mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar to achieve a balanced sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. The baking powder and baking soda work together to give the cake its rise, while a pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.
Aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger infuse warmth throughout, complementing the natural sweetness of the grated carrots. We add crushed pineapple for extra moisture and a subtle tropical twist. Chopped walnuts and raisins introduce texture and a hint of natural sweetness, while vanilla extract ties everything together with its aromatic touch.
The vegetable oil keeps the cake moist, and eggs provide richness and stability. Our frosting is a simple yet luxurious combination of unsalted butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar, with a splash of vanilla extract for added depth.
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a dash of cinnamon on top. It's a wonderful dessert to serve after a hearty meal or as a sweet treat at afternoon tea.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While it's warming up, prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by greasing them and dusting with flour. This will help your cake release easily once baked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Give them a good whisk to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Next, add the vegetable oil and eggs to the dry mix. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined. Now, fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, walnuts, raisins, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until everything is evenly incorporated.
Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You'll know they're done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool fully. This step is crucial for a smooth frosting process.
For the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy and luscious.
Layer the cakes with frosting in between and finish by covering the top and sides. Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps set the frosting, making it easier to slice.