Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
Experience the ultimate indulgence with this moist and flavorful Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting, a delightful twist on a classic dessert! Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this cake is elevated with the natural sweetness of grated carrots and a hint of applesauce for extra moisture. The creamy, tangy frosting gets a luxurious upgrade with pure maple syrup, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Whether you add the optional crunch of chopped walnuts or let the frosting take center stage, this show-stopping layer cake is ideal for celebrations or as a decadent treat with your afternoon coffee. Easy to prepare and utterly irresistible, this carrot cake recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoons ground ginger
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups light brown sugar, packed
- 0.75 cups vegetable oil
- 0.5 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 0.75 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Decorate with additional chopped walnuts or a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired. Slice and serve!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
761 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.4 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.9 g | 70% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 106 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 455 mg | 20% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 95.0 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 72.4 g | ||
| Protein | 7.6 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 73 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 2.0 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 221 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
