The BEST Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Classic Dessert Perfected

If you’re searching for the ultimate carrot cake recipe, look no further! This BEST Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is everything you could want in a classic dessert: moist, flavorful, and topped with a rich, creamy frosting. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because, this carrot cake is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (250 grams)
• 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)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 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

Directions

1. Make the Carrot Cake

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Prepare two 9-inch round cake pans by spraying them with non-stick cooking spray. Then, line the bottom of each pan with a parchment paper circle to ensure easy removal after baking. Set the pans aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set this bowl aside.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The applesauce adds moisture to the cake without the need for extra oil, keeping it light yet flavorful.

Combine the Mixtures

Add the grated carrots to the wet ingredients and mix until everything is well incorporated. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing with a whisk or rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

2. Bake the Cake

Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cakes are done when the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool in the pans for 20 to 25 minutes. After this initial cooling, remove the cakes from the pans and allow them to cool completely on the wire rack.

3. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or using a hand-held mixer in a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the butter and mix for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

Add Sugar and Vanilla

Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Continue mixing until everything is fully combined, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.

4. Assemble the Cake

Level the Cake Layers

Once the cakes have cooled completely, level the tops of the cakes using a knife or cake leveler. This ensures that your cake layers stack evenly, resulting in a professional-looking finish.

Frost the Cake

Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving platter. Spread a little over 1/2 cup of frosting evenly over the top of the first cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, then use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides of the cake. For a decorative touch, optionally garnish with pecans or other toppings of choice.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Your carrot cake is now ready to serve! This cake is perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to holidays or just a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones.

Serving Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Calories: 600 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12 servings

Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake

• Grate the Carrots Finely: Finely grated carrots ensure even distribution throughout the cake, providing moisture and sweetness in every bite.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bringing your eggs and cream cheese to room temperature before mixing helps everything combine more smoothly, resulting in a better texture.
• Customize Your Cake: Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and flavor.

Conclusion

This BEST Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a true classic, offering a perfect balance of sweet, spiced flavors and a luscious, creamy frosting. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the rich flavors and moist texture of this delicious cake—perfect for any celebration or as a special treat!

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