Carrot Cake

Carrot Cake

While this Emeril Lagasse cake is definitely a bit of a calorie indulgence, the butter in this recipe really makes this cake stand apart from the other oil based varieties. It can be made in a Bundt pan or into cupcakes. Try using a bit less sugar and a dash of lemon juice to elevate the icing and make it less sweet. You can also butter AND flour the pans if you are worried about your cakes sticking. Walnuts can be substituted for the pecans (or nuts can be omitted altogether). This is a great cake to make for a special occasion, party or while entertaining guests.

INGREDIENTS
• 3 sticks, plus 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
Pecan Cream Cheese Icing:
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 1 (1-pound) box confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped toasted pecans

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter 3 (9-inch) cake pans with 1 tablespoon of the butter and set aside. In a large bowl, cream the butter with an electric mixer. Add the sugar, and beat. In a medium bowl or on a piece of parchment, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, and mix well. Add the dry ingredients, alternating with the eggs, beating well after the addition of each. Add the vanilla extract and mix. Add the carrots and beat on medium speed until well incorporated, about 2 minutes. Fold in the nuts. Divide between the 3 cake pans and bake until set and a cake tester inserted into the middle comes out clean, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest in the cake pans for 10 minutes. Invert onto wire racks, remove from the pans, and let cool.
For the Frosting: In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add the sugar gradually, beating constantly. Add the vanilla and pecans. When the cake is cool, place 1 cake layer on a cake plate or stand. Spread the top with cream cheese frosting and top with a second and third cake layer, spreading the icing between each layer. Spread the icing around the sides of the cake and let harden slightly before serving. To serve, cut into wedges.

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