Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting

Experience the ultimate indulgence with this moist and flavorful Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting, a delightful twist on a classic dessert! Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this cake is elevated with the natural sweetness of grated carrots and a hint of applesauce for extra moisture. The creamy, tangy frosting gets a luxurious upgrade with pure maple syrup, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite. Whether you add the optional crunch of chopped walnuts or let the frosting take center stage, this show-stopping layer cake is ideal for celebrations or as a decadent treat with your afternoon coffee. Easy to prepare and utterly irresistible, this carrot cake recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups light brown sugar, packed
• 0.75 cups vegetable oil
• 0.5 cups unsweetened applesauce
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 0.75 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.

Step 3

In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5

Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 8

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 10

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 11

Mix in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth.

Step 12

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 13

Decorate with additional chopped walnuts or a drizzle of maple syrup, if desired. Slice and serve!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2182.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	7559.9

Total Fat 410.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 141.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 100.8g
Cholesterol 1067.4mg	0%
Sodium 4599.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 947.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.6g	0%
Total Sugars 713.8g
Protein 77.9g	0%

Vitamin D 120IU	0%
Calcium 719.3mg	0%
Iron 23.3mg	0%
Potassium 2239.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.4%

Protein: 4.0%

Carbs: 48.6%