Chocolate Carrot Cake

Decadent Chocolate Carrot Cake Delight

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1 teaspoon baking soda

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

- 1 cup vegetable oil

- 4 large eggs

- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

- 2 cups grated carrots

- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

- 8 oz cream cheese, softened

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

- 3 cups powdered sugar

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa powder until well combined.

3. In another bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Fold in grated carrots and chopped nuts, if using, until evenly distributed.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.

8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

10. Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

11. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy and smooth.

12. Once the cake is cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

13. Slice and serve. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 12