Carrot Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or yogurt)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots
• ½ cup crushed pineapple (optional)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2️⃣ In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3️⃣ In a separate bowl, beat sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until well combined.
4️⃣ Gradually mix in dry ingredients. Fold in grated carrots, pineapple, and nuts.
5️⃣ Pour batter into the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6️⃣ Let the cake cool completely.
7️⃣ For frosting, beat cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
8️⃣ Spread frosting over the cooled cake and serve!

Servings:

🔹 12 slices

Nutritional Values (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: ~350-400 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 18-22g
• Saturated Fat: 6-8g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Sugar: 30-35g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sodium: 200-250mg

💡 Tip: Toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds a crunch!