Homemade Carrot Cake Recipe: This is my go-to recipe for homemade carrot cake! It’s incredibly easy to make, perfectly moist, and topped with a delicious homemade cream cheese frosting.
Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled (250 grams)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup canola or vegetable oil (180 ml)
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1½ cups packed light brown sugar (300 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (125 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups lightly packed grated carrots (300 grams)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1 (8-ounce) package brick-style cream cheese (226 grams), softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter (115 grams), softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar (240 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the Carrot Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with non-stick cooking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper circles. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- In another bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Mix in the grated carrots until well incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a whisk or rubber spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 20 to 25 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand-held mixer), beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the softened butter and mix for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Assemble the Cake:
- Level the tops of each cake layer using a knife or cake leveler.
- Place one cake layer on a cake stand, spreading a little over ½ cup of the frosting on top in an even layer. Add the second layer on top.
- Use the remaining frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake. Optional: top with pecans or your favorite toppings.
Enjoy your delicious homemade carrot cake! 🥕🎂
