Ingredients

The following ingredients have 16 Servings
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, preferably unbleached, or 1½ cups all-purpose flour and ¾ cup whole wheat flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar, or 1½ cups granulated sugar and ½ cup packed light brown sugar ((14 ounces/400 grams))
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger, allspice, nutmeg, or cloves, or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 teaspoons double-acting baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable or peanut oil ((11.25 ounces/325 grams))
  • 4 large eggs, lightly beaten ((¾ cup/7 ounces/200 grams))
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups lightly packed finely grated carrots ((6 to 8 medium/14 ounces/400 grams))
  • 1 cup raisins, chopped pitted dates, or blueberries ((5 ounces/140 grams))
  • 1 cup shredded coconut ((3 ounces/85 grams))
  • 1 cup toasted and coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts ((4 ounces/115 grams))
  • 1 cup canned crushed pineapple, drained ((8 ounces/225 grams))
  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened ((16 ounces/455 grams))
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened ((1¼ sticks/6 ounces/170 grams))
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2½ tablespoons sour cream, or 1 tablespoon orange liqueur ((optional))
  • Pinch salt
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted ((12 ounces/340 grams))
  • Marzipan carrots or about 1 cup toasted coconut for garnish ((optional))

Instruction