This carrot cake is moist, tender, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a birthday, or just because you feel like having a delicious cake. Topped with a rich cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or one 9×13-inch pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs. Add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple, nuts, and coconut (if using).
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- If the frosting is too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
Assembly:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.
- Decorate with additional nuts or coconut, if desired.
Enjoy your Best Carrot Cake Ever!
