Description
A delicious and moist carrot cake topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (if needed)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (for garnish)
- ¼ cup finely shredded carrots (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until combined.
- Combine: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in grated carrots and walnuts.
- Bake: Pour batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting, approximately 1 hour.
- Prepare frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until fluffy. Add a little milk if needed.
- Frost the cake: Spread a generous, even layer of cream cheese frosting over the cooled cake.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped walnuts and finely shredded carrots over the frosting.
- Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy. Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use freshly grated carrots.
- Store the cake in the refrigerator to keep the frosting fresh.
- Feel free to add raisins or pineapple for extra sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg