Starbucks Carrot Cake

There's nothing like a slice of fresh carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and a tall glass of cold milk. A hot latte ain't such a bad chaser either. I suppose that's why you'll find one of the best carrot cakes at Starbucks. It's moist and flavorful, packed with nuts and golden raisins. Starbucks makes sure its tasty baked goods are fresh by contracting with local bakeries to produce cakes and scones and muffins from the coffee chain's top secret specs. Now you've got your own secret specs with this formula for a carrot cake clone that tastes like it came straight from your local coffee house.

Ingredients:
 
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1 1/2 cups dark brown sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup shredded carrot (1 large carrot)
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup golden raisins

Frosting:
 
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups powdered sugar

Optional Garnish:
 
1/3 cup chopped pecans 

Drizzle:

2 oz. of white chocolate, melted 1/3 cup

Directions: 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg and allspice in a large bowl.
3. Use an electric mixer to combine brown sugar and oil. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat on high speed for about a minute.
4. Combine the wet mixture with the dry stuff. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are incorporated then crank up the speed and blend on high until batter is smooth.
5. Add shredded carrot, walnuts, and raisins and mix by hand. Pour batter into a 13x9-inch baking pan that has been generously greased with shortening.
6. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
7. Make the frosting by mixing softened cream cheese, milk, and vanilla in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and blend well until frosting is smooth.
8. When the cake has cooled, frost the top with the entire bowl of cream cheese frosting. Sprinkle the pecans over the frosting. Slice into 12 pieces to serve. Cover the leftover cake and store it in the fridge. Makes 12 servings.

Source: ipernity.com