David's Carrot Cake

Moist, flavorful, and brimming with warm spices, David's Carrot Cake is a timeless dessert that's sure to impress! This classic recipe combines the natural sweetness of grated carrots with the richness of brown sugar, a hint of applesauce for tenderness, and a medley of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger for a perfectly spiced bite. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting that's creamy yet tangy, this two-layer cake is a showstopper for any occasion. Add a touch of texture with optional chopped pecans or walnuts, and you've got a masterpiece worthy of celebrations or simple family gatherings. With an easy prep time of just 20 minutes and foolproof instructions, this homemade carrot cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or whenever you're craving a slice of dessert heaven, David's Carrot Cake is a must-bake!

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

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

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

Step 3

In another bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5

Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center 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 frosting, beat the cream cheese and softened butter in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Stir in the vanilla extract and milk or heavy cream (if needed) to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 12

Once the cakes have completely cooled, frost the top of one cake layer, then stack the second layer on top and frost the top and sides.

Step 13

Optional: Decorate with additional chopped nuts or grated carrots for garnish.

Step 14

Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to set the frosting.

Step 15

Slice and enjoy your homemade David's Carrot Cake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2541.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9113.5

Total Fat 488.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 153.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.4g
Cholesterol 1246.8mg	0%
Sodium 4664.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1160.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.6g	0%
Total Sugars 939.3g
Protein 84.6g	0%

Vitamin D 237.3IU	0%
Calcium 709.8mg	0%
Iron 23.5mg	0%
Potassium 2351.3mg	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: 46.9%

Protein: 3.6%

Carbs: 49.5%