Honeybun Carrot Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing

Ingredients:
For the Cake:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup honey
2 large eggs
1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing:
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
1. Prepare the Cake:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and honey together until light and fluffy.
Add Eggs:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add Carrots and Pineapple:
Mix in the grated carrots and crushed pineapple.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped pecans if using. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Bake Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing:
Beat Cream Cheese and Butter:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth.
Add Powdered Sugar:
Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined and fluffy.
Add Vanilla and Cinnamon:
Stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until evenly distributed.
Frost Cake:
Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese icing between the layers and on top and sides of the cake.
3. Serve and Enjoy:
Decorate (Optional):
You can garnish the cake with additional chopped pecans or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Serve:
Slice and enjoy your Honeybun Carrot Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Icing!
This cake brings together the sweetness and spice of a honeybun with the classic flavors of carrot cake, all topped with a creamy cinnamon frosting. Enjoy! 🥕🍯🍰🍪