Enough Already, Pat's Carrot Cake Recipe

Several years ago, I finally perfected a carrot cake worthy enough to be approved by my father.  So without much further ado, Pat's Carrot Cake Recipe.

Ingredients:

2 Eggs

½ cup applesauce

¾ cup vegetable oil

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 cups flour

2 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

2 teaspoon cinnamon

¼ teaspoon nutmeg

3 cups grated carrots - usually 3 carrots.

1 cup pecans or raisins.  

Frosting:

½ cup butter, softened

8 ounce cream cheese, softened

3.5 cups powder sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat to the ever popular, 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 8x8  inch pan.  In a large bowl, beat together eggs, applesauce, oil, sugars and vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and spices. Stir in carrots. Fold in pecans/raisins. Pour into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely. I usually leave it in the pan since this is what his birthday cake will be presented in on the big day.

                   

To Make Frosting: In a medium bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, confectioners' sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. 

This year my husband turned 40 and requested this cake which is a break from his usual apple pie.  

What is your favorite birthday cake?

Sharon, The Mayor