The Best Carrot Cake Recipe

This classic carrot cake is incredibly moist, perfectly spiced, and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a comforting dessert, this recipe delivers a flavorful and satisfying treat. With a combination of fresh carrots, warm spices, and a luscious frosting, it’s the ultimate homemade carrot cake.

What Is Carrot Cake?

Carrot cake is a spiced cake made with grated carrots, which add natural sweetness and moisture. It’s often paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting, making it a favorite for birthdays, holidays, and gatherings. This version includes applesauce for extra softness, along with optional nuts and raisins for texture and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Moist Texture – The combination of oil, applesauce, and carrots keeps the cake soft and tender.
• Perfectly Spiced – A balance of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and depth.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this cake beginner-friendly.
• Customizable – Add nuts, raisins, or even pineapple for extra flavor.
• Crowd-Pleaser – This cake is a hit at any gathering or celebration.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 3 eggs
• ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) applesauce (or more oil)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (200 g) grated carrots
• ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup (75 g) raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (115 g) butter, softened
• 2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just incorporated.
5. Fold in the grated carrots, along with the optional nuts and raisins.

Baking the Cake

6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

9. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
10. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined and fluffy.

Assembling the Cake

11. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting over the top.
12. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake evenly.
13. Slice and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for extra crunch.
• Garnish with grated carrots or a light dusting of cinnamon for a decorative touch.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Frost the cake after thawing for the best results.
• You can also freeze frosted cake slices in an airtight container.

Recipe Variations

• Nut-Free Version – Skip the nuts for an allergy-friendly cake.
• Pineapple Twist – Add ½ cup (120 ml) crushed pineapple for extra moisture.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Dairy-Free Frosting – Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter for a lactose-free version.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in a single pan?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pan and increase the baking time to 40–45 minutes.

Do I need to peel the carrots before grating?
Yes, peeling the carrots ensures a smoother texture in the cake.

Can I use butter instead of oil?
Oil keeps the cake extra moist, but you can use melted butter if preferred.

Why is my cake too dense?
Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture. Stir until just combined for a light, fluffy cake.

This carrot cake is the perfect balance of moist, spiced, and sweet, making it a must-try dessert for any occasion. With its simple preparation and rich flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!

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