Carrot Cake

• pose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs (or 4 flaxseed eggs for a vegan version)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots (about 5-6 medium carrots)
• 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (1 package) vegan cream cheese, softened (or regular cream cheese if not vegan)
• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened (or regular butter if not vegan)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

For the Cake:

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, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs (or flaxseed eggs), and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, nuts (if using), and raisins (if using).
6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan cream cheese and vegan butter together until smooth and well combined.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of the first layer.
3. Place the second cake layer on top.
4. Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
5. Optional: Decorate the cake with additional nuts, shredded carrots, or other decorations if desired.
6. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the frosting.

Slice and serve your delicious Carrot Cake! Enjoy!