Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation Time:

• 30 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 50-60 minutes

Cooking Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Medium)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the carrots, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
6. Stir in the walnuts, if desired.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make the frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
10. Gradually add the confectioners' sugar until the frosting reaches desired consistency.
11. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them with the cream cheese frosting and decorate as desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 500
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 40g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• Moist and flavorful carrot cake with a tender crumb
• Rich and creamy cream cheese frosting
• Classic American dessert that is perfect for any occasion

User Comments:

• "The best carrot cake I've ever had! The frosting is to die for."
• "I love the subtle spices in the cake and the cream cheese frosting is so smooth and delicious."
• "This cake was a huge hit at my party. Everyone loved it!"

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To prevent the cake from becoming dry, make sure to bake it until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool completely before frosting them to prevent the frosting from melting.
• You can decorate the cake with chopped walnuts, carrots, or any other desired toppings.