The BEST Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

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:

1. 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.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
3. 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.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a whisk or rubber spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. 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.
6. 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:

1. 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.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Assemble the Cake:

1. Level the tops of each cake layer using a knife or cake leveler.
2. 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.
3. 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! 🥕🎂