Description
A moist and flavorful carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 eggs
- 1/2 cup neutral oil (like avocado oil)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, lightly drained
- 2 1/2 cups freshly grated carrot
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, plus more for garnish
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and place a rack in the middle. Grease and flour two or three 9-inch cake pans.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg until well combined.
- In another large bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, applesauce, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Add in crushed pineapple.
- Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until combined. Fold in grated carrots and walnuts.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 20-25 minutes for three layers or 30-35 minutes for two layers, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and orange zest, then gradually mix in powdered sugar until desired fluffiness is achieved.
- Level the tops of the cooled cakes. Frost between the layers and on top and sides of the cake. Garnish with extra chopped walnuts. Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store the cake in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg