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! 🥕🍯🍰🍪