The Silver Palate Carrot Cake Food

THE PALM'S CARROT CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F Butter and flour a 10-inch round cake pan with 3-inch sides.
• With electric mixer on slow speed, combine flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• In a large measuring cup, whisk together the oil, eggs, and vanilla.
• Pour the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and add the carrots.
• Mix on the slowest speed until evenly blended.
• The batter will be very thick.
• Fold in the raisins and pecans.
• Scoop the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until the sides begin to shrink away from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
• Cool on a rack to room temperature.
• While cake is baking, make frosting.
• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and superfine sugar vigorously with a wooden spoon until fluffy.
• Stir in the orange zest.
• Run a knife around the edge of the cake pan to release the sides and turn ouot onto your work surface.
• Slice the cake horizontally into three 1-inch layers using a long serrated bread knife.
• (Be sure cake is completely cool before you try to cut and frost it).
• Spread bottom cake layer with about 1/4 of the frosting, repeating for all layers.
• Spread remaining evenly over the sides.
• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 24 hours to firm the frosting.
• For the best flavor, allow to return to room temperature before serving.
• To serve, dust generously with confectioners sugar and cut into wedges.