Light Chocolate Carrot Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing

Indulge in the perfect balance of lightness and decadence with this Light Chocolate Carrot Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing. Featuring a moist and flavorful base made with grated carrots, carrot purée, and just a touch of vegetable oil and applesauce for a healthier twist, this cake is both rich and satisfying. Cocoa powder adds a hint of chocolate sophistication, while warm cinnamon spices up every bite. Topped with a luscious chocolate cream cheese icing made from velvety cream cheese, butter, and cocoa, this cake strikes the ideal harmony between creamy and sweet. Easy to prepare in under an hour and yielding 12 generous servings, this recipe is perfect for celebrations or an indulgent dessert anytime. Serve it chilled for maximum flavor, and enjoy a slice of chocolate-infused bliss! Keywords: chocolate carrot cake, cream cheese icing, moist dessert, easy carrot cake recipe, healthier dessert ideas.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 1.75 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups Unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons Baking soda
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.75 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups Brown sugar, packed
• 2 large Eggs
• 0.25 cups Vegetable oil
• 0.5 cups Unsweetened applesauce
• 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
• 1 cups Carrot purée (cooked and blended)
• 1 cups Grated carrots
• 8 oz Cream cheese, softened
• 0.25 cups Butter, softened
• 1.5 cups Powdered sugar
• 0.25 cups Unsweetened cocoa powder (for icing)
• 1 teaspoons Vanilla extract (for icing)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 3

In another large bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy. Add the vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 4

Stir the carrot purée and grated carrots into the wet ingredients until evenly distributed.

Step 5

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.

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 allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

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

Step 10

Sift in the powdered sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder. Add the vanilla extract and beat until the icing is smooth and fluffy.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Slice and serve. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1760.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4886.5

Total Fat 216.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 103.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 33.6g
Cholesterol 752.3mg	0%
Sodium 4244.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 761.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 85.9g	0%
Total Sugars 462.1g
Protein 88.7g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 765.1mg	0%
Iron 40.4mg	0%
Potassium 4593.9mg	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: 36.4%

Protein: 6.6%

Carbs: 56.9%