Fabulous Carrot Cake
Indulge in the irresistible decadence of this *Fabulous Carrot Cake*, a moist and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with freshly grated carrots, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a hint of natural sweetness from applesauce, this cake is wonderfully soft and aromatic. Topped with an ultra-creamy homemade cream cheese frosting, it strikes the perfect balance of tangy and sweet in every bite. Optional add-ins like crunchy walnuts or pecans add a delightful texture, making it a dessert that's as versatile as it is delicious. Simple to prepare yet stunningly delicious, this crowd-pleasing treat is ideal for gatherings, birthdays, or just an indulgent weekday dessert. Whether served as a layer cake or baked in a 9x13-inch pan, this carrot cake recipe is the ultimate combination of comfort and elegance.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.75 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups light brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 0.5 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 4 pieces large eggs
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional for frosting consistency)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or a 9x13-inch rectangular pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the grated carrots and optional chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
Mix in the vanilla extract and add milk a little at a time, if needed, to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
Frost the cake once it is completely cooled. Spread the frosting evenly between layers, on the top, and around the sides.
Chill the frosted cake in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
9196 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 487.6 g | 625% | |
| Saturated Fat | 152.9 g | 764% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 134.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1254 mg | 418% | |
| Sodium | 4672 mg | 203% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1197.6 g | 435% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 30.5 g | 109% | |
| Total Sugars | 960.2 g | ||
| Protein | 89.2 g | 178% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.2 mcg | 21% | |
| Calcium | 738 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 24.4 mg | 136% | |
| Potassium | 2342 mg | 50% | |
*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.
