# What You’ll Need:
→ Carrot Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (320 g)
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1 cup granulated sugar (220 g)
09 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100 g)
10 - 4 large eggs
11 - 1 cup vegetable oil (240 ml)
12 - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (120 ml)
13 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
14 - 3 cups grated carrots (300 g)
15 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (120 g), optional
16 - 1/2 cup raisins (80 g), optional
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
17 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225 g)
18 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
19 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (440 g)
20 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
21 - Pinch of salt
→ Decoration
22 - 1 cup shredded coconut (100 g)
23 - Pink food coloring
24 - Brown or black candies or chocolate chips
25 - Marshmallows
26 - Edible flowers, pastel candies, or sprinkles, optional
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat eggs with granulated and brown sugars until pale and fluffy. Gradually add vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.
04 - Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined. Stir in grated carrots, and optionally nuts and raisins.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
06 - Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks and cool completely.
07 - Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, beating until light and fluffy.
08 - Place one cake round as the face. Cut two symmetrical ovals from the second cake to form ears; use remaining pieces to create the bowtie or feet.
09 - Generously coat the assembled cake with cream cheese frosting on all visible surfaces.
10 - Sprinkle shredded coconut over the frosted cake to simulate fur texture.
11 - Tint a small portion of coconut pink and apply to ear centers and nose areas.
12 - Use candies or chocolate chips for eyes; affix marshmallows as cheeks and tail accents.
13 - Optionally adorn with edible flowers, pastel candies, or sprinkles as preferred.
14 - Refrigerate the completed cake for at least 30 minutes to firm frosting and facilitate slicing.
