Carrot Cake Recipe

This moist and flavorful carrot cake is packed with grated carrots, warm spices, and a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for celebrations or a comforting dessert at home.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (180ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups (250g) grated carrots (about 3 large carrots)
• 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup (80g) raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3–4 cups (360–480g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients:
   In another bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry:
   Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
5. Add Carrots and Mix-ins:
   Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and raisins (if using).
6. Bake the Cake:
   Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Frosting:
   In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar if needed.
8. Assemble the Cake:
   Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
9. Decorate:
   Garnish with extra nuts, shredded carrots, or a dusting of cinnamon, if desired.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
    Slice and serve your delicious homemade carrot cake. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Let me know if you’d like me to adjust or add anything to the recipe! 😊