Best Carrot Cake Ever

This Carrot Cake is the epitome of a classic, offering a moist and flavorful bite in every slice. Packed with grated carrots, raisins, crushed pineapple, and walnuts, this cake is a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Perfect for any occasion, it’s complemented beautifully with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Follow these steps to create the best carrot cake you’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients:

• 6 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup raisins
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

1. Prep the Carrot Mixture:

• In a medium bowl, combine the grated carrots and brown sugar. Let it sit for 60 minutes, then stir in the raisins. This step helps to soften the carrots and plump the raisins for a better texture in the cake.

1. Preheat and Prep Pans:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour two 10-inch cake pans to ensure the cakes release easily after baking.

1. Prepare the Batter:

• In a large bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy.
• Gradually beat in the white sugar, followed by the vegetable oil and vanilla extract.
• Stir in the drained crushed pineapple.
• In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully absorbed.
• Finally, fold in the carrot mixture and the chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.

1. Bake the Cake:

• Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
• Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

1. Frost the Cake:

• Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips:

• Carrot Preparation: Grate the carrots finely for a smoother texture in the cake.
• Pineapple Drainage: Ensure the crushed pineapple is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which could make the cake too dense.
• Frosting: For a classic pairing, use a rich cream cheese frosting. You can make it by beating together 1/2 cup softened butter, 8 ounces cream cheese, 4 cups powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can stay fresh for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Enjoy making and devouring this delightful carrot cake, which is sure to become a family favorite!