Simply Carrot Carrot Cake
Indulge in the classic comfort of "Simply Carrot Carrot Cake," a moist and flavorful dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of freshly grated carrots. This easy-to-follow recipe combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with a perfect balance of granulated and brown sugars for a dynamic, rich flavor profile. Enhanced by the addition of unsweetened applesauce for extra moisture and topped with a luxuriously smooth cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake is a showstopper for any occasion. Optional chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, while simple garnishes like a sprinkle of cinnamon or extra grated carrot complete the presentation. Ready in just 50 minutes, this crowd-pleasing, two-layer cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you're craving a bakery-worthy treat from the comfort of home.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 4 large eggs
- 0.75 cups vegetable oil
- 0.5 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (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 large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using).
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, spreading it out in an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting over the top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the entire cake.
Garnish with additional chopped nuts, grated carrot, or a light dusting of cinnamon, if desired.
Slice, serve, and enjoy your Simply Carrot Carrot Cake!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
730 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 36.1 g | 46% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.0 g | 60% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 104 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 385 mg | 17% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 97.3 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 78.4 g | ||
| Protein | 6.9 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 64 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 1.8 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 208 mg | 4% | |
*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.
