Pastel De Zanahoria Carrot Cake

Celebrate the festive season with a delightful Mexican Christmas baking recipe that will fill your home with the warm aroma of cinnamon and spices. This traditional dessert is a fusion of flavors, making it a perfect treat to share with family and friends during the holiday season. Known for its rich and moist texture, the Pastel De Zanahoria Carrot Cake combines the sweetness of carrots with a touch of nuttiness, creating a unique dessert experience that is sure to wow your guests.

**Pastel De Zanahoria Carrot Cake**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 cup vegetable oil
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups shredded carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Cream cheese frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tsp vanilla extract

**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

*To make the cream cheese frosting:*
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy.
3. Once the cake has cooled completely, spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top.
4. Decorate with additional chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.

Indulge in a slice of this Pastel De Zanahoria Carrot Cake and savor the cozy flavors of the holiday season. The combination of moist carrot cake and decadent cream cheese frosting is a delightful treat that is bound to become a family favorite. Share the joy of baking with your loved ones and create lasting memories with this delicious Mexican Christmas dessert.