Carrot Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together.
3. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the grated carrots, zucchini, and walnuts if using.
4. Bake the Cakes: Distribute the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Cool the Cakes: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the Frosting: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until the frosting is creamy.
7. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of one layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. If desired, garnish with additional chopped walnuts.

Recipe Information:

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 350 kcal per serving

Indulge in this moist and flavorful Carrot Zucchini Cake, perfectly complemented by creamy cream cheese frosting. Enjoy!