Orange Carrot Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting
Brighten your dessert table with this luscious Orange Carrot Cake with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting, a zesty twist on a classic favorite! This moist and tender cake is packed with freshly grated carrots, a hint of warm cinnamon, and the vibrant flavor of orange zest, creating a beautifully balanced blend of sweetness and citrus. The crowning glory is a rich and tangy orange cream cheese frosting, made irresistibly smooth with fresh orange juice and zest, perfect for spreading generously between layers and across the top. Optional chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, elevating every bite. Perfect for special occasions or just because, this easy-to-make cake is as stunning as it is delicious. Bake one today and enjoy a slice of sunshine on your plate!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons Baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Baking soda
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup Brown sugar
- 0.75 cup Vegetable oil
- 0.5 cup Unsweetened applesauce
- 3 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon Orange zest
- 2 cups Carrots, grated
- 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 8 ounces Cream cheese
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Orange juice
- 1 teaspoon Additional orange zest (for frosting)
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-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and unsweetened applesauce. Whisk until well incorporated.
Add the eggs one at a time to the wet mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the grated carrots and, if desired, chopped walnuts or pecans.
Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 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 before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the orange cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue beating until fluffy.
Mix in the orange juice and additional orange zest until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Garnish with additional orange zest or chopped nuts, if desired. Slice and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7217 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 389.0 g | 499% | |
| Saturated Fat | 138.2 g | 691% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 104.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1045 mg | 348% | |
| Sodium | 4658 mg | 203% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 909.8 g | 331% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.0 g | 104% | |
| Total Sugars | 672.7 g | ||
| Protein | 73.9 g | 148% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 678 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 19.1 mg | 106% | |
| Potassium | 2945 mg | 63% | |
*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.
