Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Instructions

• 1Grease and line the base of 2 x 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
• 2Insert the wire rack into position 6. Set the oven to Bake, Convection, 330°F, for 45 minutes, confirm Rotate Remind and press Start to preheat. Meanwhile, continue to the next step.
• 3Place the sugars, oil and eggs in a large bowl and whisk to combine. Fold in the carrots, raisins and walnuts.
• 4Place the remaining cake ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer. With the paddle attachment, mix on low speed to combine. Add the carrot mixture and mix on medium speed until combined, do not overmix.
• 5Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and level the tops.
• 6Once preheated, place the pans in the oven and cook for 45 minutes. When the Rotate Remind signals, swap the pans and continue cooking.
• 7Cakes are ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If not, bake for a few more minutes.
• 8Stand the cakes in the pans for 15 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack to cool completely.
• 9Place the butter and cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer. With the paddle attachment, beat for 1 minute or until pale and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, salt and vanilla and continue beating for 2 minutes or until light and fluffy.
• 10Tint two-thirds of the fondant with orange food coloring and knead until evenly colored. Tint the remaining fondant with the green food coloring and knead until evenly colored.
• 11Divide the orange fondant into 8 even pieces and roll each piece into a 2-inch log, tapering at one end. Use a knife to create small indents to resemble a carrot. Divide the green fondant into 8 even pieces and shape into small rolls, cut into strips, joint together at one end, to create the carrot tops and attach to the carrots.
• 12Use a serrated knife to level the top of the cakes. Place one cake, top-side up on a cake board or serving plate. Spread with a large spoonful of the frosting and sandwich with the remaining cake, top-side down, to create a flat top. Spoon about 1 cup of the frosting into a piping bag, fitted with a small star piping tip. Spread the remaining frosting over the top and side of the cake. Pipe a decorative edge. Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set.
  Tip: A turntable and cake scraper makes it easier to spread the frosting over the cake.
• 13Decorate the top of the cake with the carrots and serve.