Easy Carrot Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ call-purpose flour
spooned and leveled
- 2 tspbaking powder
- 1 tspbaking soda
- 1 tspsea salt
- 2 tspcinnamon
- 1 tspground ginger
- ½ tspnutmeg
- 1 clight or dark brown sugar
- ½ cgranulated sugar
- ¾ cvegetable oil
plus more for the pans
- 4 largeeggs
- 1 cunsweetened applesauce
- 2 tspvanilla extract
- 3 cgrated carrots
about 9 ounces
- 1 cchopped pecans or walnuts
plus more for garnish
- cream cheese frosting
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
- 3
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Add the eggs and whisk until well combined, then whisk in the applesauce and vanilla.
- 4
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the carrots and pecans.
- 5
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tops spring back to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of each cake, then invert onto a large plate or baking sheet. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool completely.
- 6
Optional step: When the cakes are completely cool, use a large serrated knife to slice off the domed part of one of the cakes to create a flat top. Use this cake as the bottom layer in a layer cake.
- 7
Frost the flat surface with cream cheese frosting, then place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake, if desired, with the remaining frosting. Top with more pecans, slice, and serve. (Alternatively, enjoy this recipe as two single-layer cakes.)
Easy Carrot Cake Recipe
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About this Recipe
Indulge in Our Best Easy Carrot Cake Recipe
Looking for the ultimate carrot cake recipe that's both simple to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This Easy Carrot Cake Recipe is a true classic, celebrated for its wonderfully moist crumb, perfectly balanced spices, and that essential tangy cream cheese frosting that truly takes it over the top. It's the kind of dessert that brings smiles to every gathering, from casual brunches to special celebrations.
What makes our carrot cake stand out? We've carefully crafted a recipe that ensures maximum moisture and flavor. A generous amount of freshly grated carrots provides natural sweetness and texture, while a thoughtful blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates that signature warm, comforting aroma and taste. Our secret for an extra moist cake comes from incorporating unsweetened applesauce, which not only adds moisture but also helps reduce the amount of oil needed, making for a beautifully tender cake without being heavy. The combination of brown and granulated sugar ensures a deep, rich sweetness that perfectly complements the carrots and spices.
Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake
Creating this delicious dessert is straightforward, even for novice bakers.
- Grating Carrots: Use the fine side of a box grater for soft, tender carrot pieces that melt into the cake.
- Don't Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined to ensure a tender crumb. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tougher cake.
- Pecans or Walnuts: We love the crunch and nutty flavor of chopped pecans or walnuts in our cake. Feel free to adjust the amount or even toast them lightly for extra depth.
Serve this fantastic carrot cake with a cup of coffee, tea, or as the grand finale to any meal. It’s a timeless treat that promises to be a favorite in your recipe collection.