MOM'S BEST CARROT CAKE

Mom's Best Carrot Cake image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 19

CAKE:
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 eggs
3 cups finely grated carrots
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
1 cup unsalted butter, (softened)
2 - 8oz bricks of cream cheese (softened)
1/2 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
5-6 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

Steps:

MAKE THE CAKE:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line bottoms of 2 9" cake pans with parchment paper and spray sides lightly with baking spray. Set aside.
In a mixing bowl, add the flour and baking soda and whisk to combine. Set aside.
To the bowl of a stand mixer, add oil, sugar, salt, eggs, and spices and beat well.
Add in flour mixture and beat to combine.
Stir in the carrots and nuts.
Pour into prepared baking pans and bake for about 35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
Let cakes cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
MAKE THE FROSTING:
Add butter and cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until creamy.
Add vanilla and salt, beat to combine.
Slowly add in powdered sugar, beating well.
ASSEMBLE THE CAKE:
Spread out coconut in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for several minutes, until very lightly golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Spread frosting over the top of one layer of the cake, then top it with the second layer of cake. Spread frosting over the top and sides of the cake.
Sprinkle toasted coconut around the rim of the top and around the sides of the cake.
Keep refrigerated until about 30 minutes before serving.