---

For a carrot cake lover, this cake can't be beat. Try the basic recipe or one of the variations for a special treat! You will need the following: 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 3 cups finely shredded carrot 1 cup cooking oil 4 eggs How to make your carrot cake: In a bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add shredded carrot, oil and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer until combined. Pour into 2 greased and floured 9 x 1 1/2-inch round baking pans. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 30 to 35 minutes or till a toothpick inserted near the center come out clean. Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes. Turn cakes out of pans. Cool thoroughly on racks. Frost with Cream Cheese Frosting (see recipe below). Makes 12 to 15 servings. Variations Pineapple Carrot Cake: Prepare as shown above, except add one 8 1/4 ounce can undrained crushed pineapple and 1/2 cup coconut with carrot. Bake about 40 minutes. Carrot-Zucchini Cake: Prepare as shown above, except substitute finely shredded zucchini for part of the carrot or add extra zucchini. Raisin-Nut Carrot Cake: Prepare as above, except stir 1/2 cup raisins and 1/2 cup chopped nuts into batter. Cream Cheese Frosting 2 3-ounce packages of cream cheese 1/2 cup softened margarine or butter 2 teaspoons vanilla 4 1/2 to 4 3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar In a bowl beat together cream cheese, margarine or butter, and vanilla till light and fluffly. Gradually add 2 cups powdered sugar, beating well. Gradually beat in enough remaining powdered sugar to make frosting of spreading consistency. Frosts tops and sides of two 8-9 inch cake layers. Cover cake and store in refrigerator.

If you have a source to add, or comments, just let us know.

(yes, I love Birthdays!)
sara@openhere.com

Return to OpenHere Birthday Cake Recipes Page
OpenHere Birthday Page
OpenHere Holidays
OpenHere Resources