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Steps
### How to Make a Delicious Carrot Cake with Crushed Pineapple and Pecans
**Ingredients:**
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (use more or less according to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup grated carrots (about 4 medium-sized carrots)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup crushed pineapple (drained and chopped finely)
- ½ cup pecan pieces
- 1 cup cream cheese frosting (recipe provided below)
**For Cream Cheese Frosting:**
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
#### **Preparation:**
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan or a springform pan with non-stick spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Mix Dry Ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well to ensure there are no lumps of baking powder.
3. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy. Add vegetable oil, followed by vanilla extract; mix thoroughly.
4. **Blend Dry into Wet:** Gradually add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending well after each addition. Fold in grated carrots and crushed pineapple.
5. **Mix in Remaining Ingredients:** Add the remaining dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Do not overmix. Finally, fold in pecan pieces evenly throughout the batter.
6. **Bake Cake:** Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before frosting.
#### **Making Cream Cheese Frosting:**
1. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with a few drops of vanilla extract as needed for desired consistency.
3. Mix well until the frosting is creamy and smooth. Spread this over your cooled cake layers or dollop on top for an elegant finish.
#### **Assembly:**
1. Once the cake has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously across the top and any exposed sides of the cake.
2. Garnish with extra chopped pecans or pineapple chunks if desired.
### Conclusion:
Enjoy this delightful carrot cake recipe that combines the moist texture of carrots with the sweet flavor of crushed pineapple and a crunchy addition of pecans. Perfect for special occasions, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Don't forget to pair it with a steaming cup of hot tea or coffee for an extra cozy experience.