Best Carrot Cake Ever

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups finely grated carrots
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe below)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed in the batter.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the cream cheese frosting, beat together the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
10. Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
11. Optionally, garnish with additional chopped nuts or a sprinkle of shredded coconut.
12. Slice, serve, and enjoy the Best Carrot Cake Ever!

Note: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing. You can customize the cake by adding raisins or adjusting the amount of spices to suit your taste. Store the cake in the refrigerator if not consumed immediately.