Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Feel free to substitute the walnuts with pecans if you prefer, or leave them out altogether for a nut-free version. Mama Lou always said that the best recipes are flexible, just like life.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until creamy and smooth, about 3 minutes. This was always Ouma’s favorite part, watching the sugars and eggs turn into a silky mixture.
- Gradually add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined.
- Stir in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts, folding them gently into the batter.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, a lesson Mama Lou often reminded us of.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake, place the second cake on top, and frost the top and sides. Mama Lou always said the frosting was like the love that holds everything together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International