Homemade Carrot Cake 🍰

Craving something sweet and wholesome? There’s nothing like a homemade carrot cake to satisfy both your sweet tooth and your desire for a lighter dessert option. This easy-to-make carrot cake recipe is packed with freshly grated carrots, warm spices like cinnamon, and a rich, velvety cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re a long-time carrot cake lover or a newbie to this dessert, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

What’s even better is that this carrot cake is customizable! Want to add some crunch? Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts. Prefer a pop of sweetness? Toss in a handful of raisins. Ready to bake your new favorite cake?

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Carrot Cake 🍰🥕

Dry Ingredients:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake that holds everything together.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds an extra lift for fluffiness.
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Infuses warm, cozy, and aromatic flavor into the cake.

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup salted butter, melted – Provides moisture and adds richness to the cake.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar – The main sweetener of the cake.
• ¼ cup light brown sugar – Adds a molasses touch for extra depth of flavor.
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce – Keeps the cake moist and reduces the need for extra fat.
• 2 eggs – Gives structure to the cake and helps bind everything together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds subtle sweetness and a warm vanilla flavor.
• 1 cup finely grated carrots – The star of the show! Freshly grated for the best results.

Optional Add-Ins for a Personal Touch:

• 1 cup crushed pecans, walnuts, or raisins – Add some texture and elevate the flavor by mixing in your favorite nuts or dried fruits.

Frosting:

• Cream cheese frosting – Who can say no to a beautifully creamy layer of frosting on top? (You’ll find a great cream cheese frosting recipe in the final step).

Required Kitchen Tools: 🧰

Get these ready to make your cake preparation smooth and easy:

1. Mixing bowls – One for the wet ingredients and one for the dry.
2. Whisk and spatula – To mix and scrape every last bit of that batter.
3. 12-inch or medium-sized round cake pans – Lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
4. Cooling rack – To cool down your cake evenly after baking.
5. Cake knife or off-set spatula – Convenient for assembling and frosting your cake.

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients and tools, let’s move to the preparation!

Step-by-Step Carrot Cake Recipe 🥕

1. Prepare Your Pans and Preheat the Oven:

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot enough by the time your batter is ready. Then, grab two 6-inch round cake pans (or one larger 9-inch pan). Line the bottoms with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with butter or non-stick spray to make sure your cakes come out easily after baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a small bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt . This step ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour for an even rise and flavor. Set the bowl aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate large bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients—melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar —until smooth and well combined. Aim for a lump-free mixture, ensuring that the sugars dissolve into the melted butter.

Next, whisk in the eggs , one at a time, followed by the applesauce and vanilla extract . Mix until everything combines into a smooth, cohesive batter.

4. Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Use a spatula or whisk to stir until no streaks of flour are left, and the batter is thick and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cake dense instead of tender.

5. Fold in the Carrots:

Now, it’s time to add the freshly grated carrots and any add-ins (like nuts or raisins, if using). Gently fold them into the batter until well distributed. The carrots bring moisture, texture, and a mildly sweet flavor to the cake.

6. Divide and Bake:

Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared cake pans (about 1½ cups per pan if using two 6-inch pans). Use a spatula to smooth the batter into an even layer in each pan.

Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes , until the tops are set and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should spring back when lightly pressed.

7. Cool the Cakes:

Remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for at least 30 minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This ensures the layers don’t fall apart when you’re ready to frost.

Cream Cheese Frosting, Assembling, and Serving 🎂

8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

While the cake layers are cooling, it’s the perfect time to whip up your deliciously rich and tangy cream cheese frosting . Here’s a simple recipe to follow:

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese , softened to room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter , room temperature
• 3-4 cups powdered sugar , sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Frosting Instructions:

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until it’s smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the Vanilla and Powdered Sugar: Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar , 1 cup at a time, until your desired sweetness and consistency are achieved. If the frosting is too thin, you can add more powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of milk or heavy cream.
3. Beat Until Fluffy: Continue to beat the frosting on high speed for an additional 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy. It should hold its shape and be easily spreadable.

9. Assemble the Cake:

Once the cake layers are completely cooled , it’s time to assemble and frost your cake.

1. Layer the Cake: Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand and spread an even layer of frosting on top. Use an offset spatula or knife to ensure it’s even.
2. Add the Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting, pressing gently to secure it in place.
3. Frost the Outside: Spread a thin crumb coat of frosting around the entire cake to trap any loose crumbs. Refrigerate the cake for about 30 minutes to help set the crumb coat. Then apply a thicker layer of frosting all around the cake.
4. Add Final Decorations (Optional): If you’d like to get fancy, pipe designs on the top with extra frosting, and consider garnishing the cake with chopped pecans , walnuts , or extra shredded carrots for a decorative touch.

10. Chill and Serve Your Masterpiece:

For best results, chill the frosted cake for at least 3 hours , or even overnight. This will help the cake firm up, making it easier to slice and allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can serve the cake cold or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

11. Storage Tips:

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days .
• Freezing the Cake: You can freeze the unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic for up to 1 month . Simply thaw, frost, and enjoy when you’re ready!

Enjoy Your Homemade Carrot Cake! 🎉

There you have it—the ultimate homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. It’s moist, flavorful, and downright irresistible. The combination of freshly grated carrots, aromatic spices, and that luscious frosting makes this cake a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee or celebrating a special day, this cake is sure to impress.

Happy baking! 🍰