Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Icing

Indulge in the ultimate combination of warmth and sweetness with this moist and flavorful Carrot Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Icing. Packed with freshly grated carrots, a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the optional crunch of chopped walnuts, this classic dessert is elevated by its irresistibly creamy icing made with rich cream cheese and a touch of pure maple syrup. Perfectly spiced and delicately sweetened, this cake is an impressive centerpiece for any celebration or cozy gathering. With just 25 minutes of prep time and easy-to-follow steps, this recipe delivers a show-stopping dessert that’s as comforting as it is decadent.

Nutriscore Rating: 41/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 cup Brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Baking soda
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 1 cup Vegetable oil
• 0.5 cup Unsweetened applesauce
• 4 pieces Large eggs
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 3 cups Grated carrots
• 0.5 cup Chopped walnuts (optional)
• 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup Unsalted butter, softened
• 0.25 cup Maple syrup
• 3.5 cups Powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for icing)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3

In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

Step 4

Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5

Fold in the grated carrots and walnuts (if using).

Step 6

Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 8

Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

To prepare the icing, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 10

Add the maple syrup, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until well combined and fluffy.

Step 11

Once the cakes have cooled completely, spread a layer of icing on top of one cake layer. Place the second cake layer on top, and spread icing evenly over the top and sides of the cake.

Step 12

Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2440.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8589.0

Total Fat 447.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 148.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.4g
Cholesterol 1253.4mg	0%
Sodium 5328.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1128.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.7g	0%
Total Sugars 897.2g
Protein 79.0g	0%

Vitamin D 160IU	0%
Calcium 784.7mg	0%
Iron 23.6mg	0%
Potassium 2224.3mg	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: 45.5%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 50.9%