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Carrot cake is a classic layer cake made with shredded carrots, warm spices and cream cheese frosting. This version uses applesauce along with vegetable oil, which gives the cake a soft texture without adding pineapple or nuts.
The recipe makes two 8-inch cake layers with plenty of cream cheese frosting between the layers and over the finished cake. Cinnamon and nutmeg provide the spice, while vanilla is used in both the carrot cake batter and the frosting.
It’s a straightforward homemade carrot cake made with simple ingredients and plenty of carrots.
Carrot Cake Ingredients
For the cake:
- 1 1/2 Cups Sugar
- 1 Cup Apple Sauce
- 3 Large Eggs
- 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon
- 1 tsp. Baking Soda
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 tsp. Salt
- 14 tsp. Ground Nutmeg
- 3 Cups Shredded Carrots
For the cream cheese frosting:
- 8 oz Cream cheese
- 1 tbsp milk
- 4 cups icing sugar
Preparing the Carrots
Fresh carrots can be shredded with a box grater or a food processor fitted with a shredding attachment. Either method works; the important part is producing relatively fine pieces that will distribute evenly throughout the carrot cake batter.
Measure the carrots after shredding them so you have the correct amount for the recipe.
There’s no need to cook the carrots before adding them to the cake. They soften as the cake bakes.
How to Make Carrot Cake
Heat the oven and prepare two 8-inch cake pans according to the original recipe directions.
Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl and set the flour mixture aside.
In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Add the dry mixture gradually and mix just until everything is incorporated. Fold the shredded carrots into the batter, making sure they are distributed throughout the mixture.
Divide the carrot cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
Bake according to the recipe directions. The cakes are ready when the centre is baked through and a tester inserted near the centre of the cake comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached.
Allow the baked cake layers to cool before removing them from the pans. Transfer them to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before adding the cream cheese frosting.
Why Applesauce in Carrot Cake?
This carrot cake recipe uses applesauce as part of the wet ingredients.
Applesauce adds moisture to baked goods without adding another strong flavour to the cake. That works particularly well here because the carrots, cinnamon and nutmeg remain the dominant flavours.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Prepare the cream cheese frosting while the cake layers are cooling.
For smooth cream cheese frosting, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing. Beat all the ingredients together until smooth. If you want an extra fluffy frosting, use the whisk attachtment on your mixer. I love my KitchenAid Stand Mixer
Wait until the cake layers have cooled completely before frosting them. Frosting a cake that is still warm can cause cream cheese frosting to soften or melt.
Assembling the Carrot Layer Cake
Place the first cake layer on a cake plate or serving dish. Put it upside down so the dome shape of the layer fits into the plate, and that you are left with a more level layer to place the top layer onto. Pipe frosting aound the base of the cake to keep it in one place, and to help level it if needed.
Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cake. Place the second layer on top and add the remaining frosting to the top and sides.
If the cake layers have developed slightly rounded tops during baking, they can be trimmed before assembling the cake, instead of placing the bottom one upside down. This will also leave you with some crumbs that you can use to garnish the cake. 100% your call here.
Once assembled, the cake can be served immediately or refrigerated until needed.
Can You Make Carrot Cake Ahead of Time?
The cake layers can be baked ahead of time and frosted later.
Allow the layers to cool completely before storing them. Wrap the cooled cake layers well in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out and store them until you’re ready to assemble the cake.
The cream cheese frosting can also be prepared ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Allow it to soften enough to become spreadable before frosting the cake.
This can make assembling the finished layer cake much easier if you’re preparing it for a birthday, holiday dinner or another occasion.
How to Store Carrot Cake
Because this carrot cake is covered with cream cheese frosting, store the finished cake in the refrigerator.
Keep it covered or place individual slices in an airtight container. If you prefer carrot cake closer to room temperature, take the portion you plan to serve out of the refrigerator a short while before eating.
Leftover unfrosted cake layers can also be wrapped tightly for storage.
Can You Freeze Carrot Cake?
Unfrosted carrot cake layers can be frozen for longer storage.
Once the cake cools completely, wrap each layer securely in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw the layers before assembling and frosting the cake.
Freezing the layers separately also makes it possible to do the baking well ahead of the day you actually need the finished cake.
