Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour unbleached
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar I prefer light brown
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup canola oil
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup crushed pineapple drained
  • 2 cups grated carrot finely
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts coursely
  • 1 cup shredded coconut sweetened
  • cream cheese frosting
  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 4 ounces unsalted butter softened
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups confectioners sugar to taste

Method

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Butter 2 (9-inch) round cake pans
  • In a large mixing bowl: combine flour (sifted), baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and clove. Whisk ingredients to ensure the mixture is well blended
  • In a separate mixing bowl: lightly beat eggs. Add in canola oil, buttermilk, vanilla and crushed pineapple. (Personally, I prefer to include the drained pineapple juice from the crushed pineapples for flavor, but its up to you.) Mix until ingredients are well blended
  • Gradually add in the dry ingredients mixture to liquid mixture, mix well. Take note that the brown sugar has not formed any clumps -- you can break the clumps up easily with a brisk whisking
  • Using a paddle-like attachment to gently fold in carrots and walnuts (if you've decided to include the shredded coconut, fold it in with carrots and walnuts)
  • Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, approximately 26-28 minutes. Let cool in pans for 10-15 minutes. Remove from pans and let cool completely on wire racks before frosting
  • For the frosting: in a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add in vanilla. Gradually add in the sugar, beating until smooth. Refrigerate (covered) until ready to use.
  • Once completely cooled, generously frost between each cake layer and on top and sides of cake. Optional: lightly dust sides with ground walnuts (or a nut of your liking) and dress top of cake with chopped walnuts.