Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cup(s) butter softened
• 2 cup(s) sugar optional half white, half brown
• 4 eggs
• 1 tablespoon(s) vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoon(s) baking soda
• 2 1/2 cup(s) flour
• 1 teaspoon(s) salt
• 2 teaspoon(s) cinnamon
• 1 cup(s) carrots grated
• 2 cup(s) crushed pineapple drained (20 oz can)
• 1 cup(s) raisins
• 12 ounce(s) cream cheese softened
• 1/2 cup(s) butter softened (one stick)
• 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon(s) lemon juice
• 2 to 3 cup(s) powdered sugar
• hot water, as needed

Preparation

1. Beat together softened butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla and beat. Combine flour, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Stir into egg mixture. Stir in carrots, pineapple and raisins. Pour batter into a lightly greased and floured 9 x 13 cake pan or two 9" round cake pans.


2. Bake at 350 F for approximately 40 - 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. When cool, frost with cream cheese frosting.


3. Frosting: Beat together cream cheese and butter until soft and fluffy. Add vanilla and lemon juice, beat. Beat in powdered sugar, to taste; if necessary beat in 1 teaspoon of hot water at a time until frosting reaches desired spreading consistency.