Double Barrel Honey Carrot Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
  
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  
• 2 cups grated carrots
  
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

INGREDIENTS FOR THE HONEY CREAM CHEESE FROSTINGS:

INSTRUCTIONS

For the Carrot Cake:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).

5. Bake the Cake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Honey Cream Cheese Frosting:

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Add Vanilla and Honey: Beat in the vanilla extract and Double Barrel Honey until well combined.

3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of honey to your taste for the perfect balance of sweetness.

4. Assemble the Cake: Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.

5. Decorate: You can decorate the cake with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or edible flowers for a festive touch.

Tips:

1. For an extra moist cake, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature.

2. Adjust the amount of honey in the frosting to your taste; some prefer it more subtle, while others like it sweeter.

3. Consider adding a drizzle of additional Double Barrel Honey on top of the frosted cake for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Enjoy your delicious Carrot Cake with Honey Cream Cheese Frosting!