Carrot cake is such a wonderful dessert
that even people who dislike the funny-shaped root vegetable can't
resist it. And this has got to be up there as one of the best-ever
carrot cake recipes. Make this classic favorite for a crowd and you
definitely won't have any leftovers to bring home. But you'll certainly
be the most popular baker in your town!
Ingredients:
Cake:
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon pdr
• 1/2 tsp cloves pdr
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg pdr
• 20 oz. carrots, finely chopped (about 3 1/4 cups)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
White Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing
• 1 1/2 pounds cream cheese, room temperature
• 2 cups white chocolate chips, melted
• 3/4 cups (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 tsp grated lemon rind
• Chopped walnuts, for garnish
Method
For the Cake
1. Preheat the oven to 350℉. Line the bottom of three 8-inch round cake
pans with parchment paper. Leave sides of pans dry - no cooking spray
needed.
2. Combine eggs and oil in a large mixing bowl and beat for 2 minutes
with a mixer on medium speed. Add 1 cup of sugar and continue mixing for
2 minutes. Add the remaining sugar and mix 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Combine flour and the next 6 ingredients (flour through to nutmeg);
add to the egg mixture, beating on low speed until blended, about 1
minute. Add carrots, walnuts, and pineapple; mix until well combined.
4. Divide the batter evenly among pans.
5. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center
comes out clean.
6. Cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Run a knife around the edge
of the cakes and remove from pans. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate
overnight.