Welcome to the sunny flavors of the Caribbean Netherlands! This delectable carrot cake recipe takes the classic dessert to a whole new level with a tropical twist. Bursting with the vibrant colors and flavors of the Caribbean, this cake is a delightful fusion of traditional baking and island-inspired ingredients. Rich, moist, and utterly irresistible, it's the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you're hosting a tropical-themed party or simply craving a taste of paradise. So, gather your ingredients and let's embark on a culinary journey to the Caribbean Netherlands with this delightful carrot cake recipe!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots (about 4-5 medium carrots)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

2- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

3- In another large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.

4- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, shredded coconut, and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.

8- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

9- Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

10- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

11- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.

12- Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.

13- Once the cakes are completely cooled, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting over the top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.

14- Optional: Garnish the top of the cake with additional shredded coconut or chopped nuts for extra decoration.

15- Slice and serve your Caribbean Netherlands Carrot Cake, and enjoy the moist, flavorful taste of the tropics!

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the listed ingredients per serving, based on typical quantities used in the recipe:

All-purpose flour (2 cups):

• Calories: 455
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Protein: 11g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy and a source of fiber.

Baking powder (2 teaspoons):

• Calories: 5
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy by releasing carbon dioxide gas when mixed with liquid and heated.

Baking soda (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Acts as a leavening agent to help the cake rise by producing carbon dioxide gas when combined with acidic ingredients.

Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Adds flavor and has antioxidant properties.

Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Enhances flavor and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Ground ginger (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds a warm, spicy flavor and may aid in digestion.

Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon):

• Calories: 1
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor and may have antibacterial properties.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Enhances flavor and helps balance sweetness.

Granulated sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 774
• Carbohydrates: 200g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds sweetness and contributes to the structure and texture of the cake.

Brown sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 551
• Carbohydrates: 142g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake due to its molasses content.

Vegetable oil (1 cup):

• Calories: 1927
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 218g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides moisture and contributes to the texture of the cake.

Large eggs (4):

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Bind the ingredients together and add structure, moisture, and richness to the cake.

Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons):

• Calories: 24
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Enhances flavor and aroma.

Grated carrots (3 cups):

• Calories: 135
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 10g

benefits: Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and nutrients like vitamin A and fiber.

Crushed pineapple (1 cup, drained):

• Calories: 74
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits: Adds sweetness, moisture, and a tropical flavor to the cake.

Shredded coconut (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 283
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 7g

benefits: Adds texture, flavor, and healthy fats to the cake.

Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 392
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 41g
• Fiber: 4g

benefits: Adds crunch, flavor, and healthy fats to the cake.

Cream cheese (8 oz):

• Calories: 800
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 80g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Used in the frosting to provide richness and tanginess.

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 814
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 92g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds richness and flavor to the cream cheese frosting.

Powdered sugar (4 cups):

• Calories: 1920
• Carbohydrates: 480g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and portion sizes.