Description
Moist and warm carrot cake topped with rich cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup canola or vegetable oil (180ml)
- 4 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups packed light brown sugar (300 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (125 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups lightly packed grated carrots (300 grams)
- 1 (8-ounce) package brick style cream cheese (226 grams, softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (115 grams, softened)
- 2 cups powdered sugar (240 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick spray and line the bottoms with parchment.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
- Combine the oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, and vanilla in another bowl until smooth. Fold in the grated carrots.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, avoiding over-mixing.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 20 to 25 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add butter and mix until combined. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until smooth.
- Assemble the cake by leveling layers, spreading frosting between them, and frosting the top and sides, optionally topping with nuts or carrot shreds.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated carrots. Level flour accurately to avoid a dry cake. Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg