Carrot Cake

Cook, Crafter and Wonderer's  Famous Carrot Cake

If there is one cake I'm very proud of, it would be my carrot cake. I like the fact that I can say it is low in fat, that it is delicious and that it is a household favorite. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Carrot Cake Ingredients

1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
3 eggs or equivalent egg substitute
3/4 cup milk and vinegar mixture ( to 1 cup of milk- any type- add 2 tbsp vinegar and let sit for 5 minutes)
2 tsp vanilla extract
3/4 cup applesauce
1 cup shredded coconut ( I use unsweetened)
1/2 cup chopped or crushed pecans
1/2 cup chopped or crushed walnuts
1 cup raisins
1 8oz can of crushed pineapple with juice
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp freshly ground nutmeg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour cake pans or if using  a cupcake mold place paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together flours, rising agents, salt and spices. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine eggs, milk mixture, applesauce, sugar and vanilla. Mix well.
4. In a medium bowl, combine shredded carrots, coconut, nuts, pineapple and raisins.
5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well until completely incorporated using a large spoon or spatula.  Add carrot mixture to batter and fold in well.
6. Pour into prepared pans, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.  This cooking time is for 3 8-inch pans, if baking on a square pan or bigger diameter, adjust baking times accordingly. I would suggest you check  your cake in the center with a toothpick for doneness (if it comes out clean, it's done). If baking cupcakes, you can use an ice cream scoop to put the batter into liners and bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool for at least 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack to be completely cooled. 
8. Once completely cooled, frost cakes with cream cheese frosting ( recipe below). You can add chopped nuts on side for added decoration.
9. Enjoy! 

Cream cheese frosting 

Ingredients:

1 package of room temperature cream cheese ( Neufchatel cheese can be used)
1 stick of butter at room temperature
1/4 tsp salt
4 cups confectioner's sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
2-3 tbsp milk ( fat free half and half works as well)

Directions:

1. On a stand mixer, cream butter and cream cheese for 5 minutes at high speed until mixture turn paddle and if very fluffy. 
2. Lower speed and as salt and flavorings until incorporated.
3. On low speed, slowly add sugar to mixture. Once combined add milk for desired consistency. The less amount of milk, the thicker the frosting.