# Components:
→ Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (320 g)
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
08 - 1 cup granulated sugar (220 g)
09 - 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100 g)
10 - 4 large eggs
11 - 1 cup vegetable oil (240 ml)
12 - 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (120 ml)
13 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
14 - 3 cups grated carrots (300 g)
15 - 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (120 g) (optional)
16 - 1/2 cup raisins (80 g) (optional)
→ Cream Cheese Frosting
17 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (225 g)
18 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (115 g)
19 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (440 g)
20 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
21 - Pinch of salt
→ Decoration
22 - 1 cup shredded coconut (100 g)
23 - Pink food coloring
24 - Brown or black candies or chocolate chips
25 - Marshmallows
26 - Edible flowers, pastel candies, or sprinkles (optional)
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
04 - Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Stir in grated carrots and, if desired, nuts and raisins.
05 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 35 to 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
06 - Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
07 - Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt, beating until fluffy.
08 - Place one cake round as the face. Cut two symmetrical ovals from second round for ears; use remaining pieces for bowtie or feet.
09 - Generously frost assembled cake with cream cheese frosting.
10 - Sprinkle shredded coconut over frosted cake to resemble fur.
11 - Tint a small portion of coconut pink for ears and nose and apply accordingly. Use candies or chocolate chips for eyes; marshmallows for cheeks and tail.
12 - Decorate with edible flowers, pastel candies, or sprinkles as desired.
13 - Refrigerate cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing for easier cutting.
