If you are looking to add a delightful twist to your Thanksgiving dessert table, this Thanksgiving Carrot Cake recipe is sure to impress your guests with its comforting flavors and cozy autumn vibes. Perfect for the fall season, this moist and fluffy carrot cake is packed with warm spices and topped with a creamy frosting that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s dive into creating this festive treat that is bound to become a new holiday tradition in your home.
**Thanksgiving Carrot Cake**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 cups grated carrots
– 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Cream cheese frosting (store-bought or homemade)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9×13-inch cake pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
3. In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts, if using, until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once the cake has cooled, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
Enjoy this Thanksgiving Carrot Cake with a cup of hot apple cider or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert experience. This cake not only tastes amazing but also fills your kitchen with the tempting aromas of the season. Make it ahead of time and watch it disappear quickly as your friends and family gather around to savor each bite. Whether you serve it as the grand finale to your Thanksgiving feast or as a special treat during the holiday season, this carrot cake is bound to become a cherished recipe in your collection.
