Snack On Meat

You are here: Home / Cakes / BEST Carrot Cake

BEST Carrot Cake

This is my all-time favorite recipe for homemade carrot cake! It’s incredibly easy to make, delightfully moist, and finished with a smooth, homemade cream cheese frosting that’s irresistible. Perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

Makes: 10 slices

Carrot Cake

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (250g)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup canola or vegetable oil (180ml)
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1½ cups packed light brown sugar (300g)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (125g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots, lightly packed (300g)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 1 (8 oz) package brick-style cream cheese, softened (226g)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115g)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted (240g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

To make the cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In another large bowl, mix oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the grated carrots.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Divide batter evenly between cake pans.
  5. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 20-25 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the frosting:

  1. In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add butter, mixing until creamy.
  2. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and vanilla, scraping sides as needed, until frosting is light and fluffy.

To assemble:

  1. Level the top of each cake layer. Place one layer on a cake stand, spread with about ½ cup of frosting, then add the second layer.
  2. Use remaining frosting to cover the top and sides. Garnish with pecans or your favorite toppings if desired.

Enjoy your perfect homemade carrot cake!