Sam's Carrot Cake

Moist, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy, Sam's Carrot Cake is the ultimate dessert for any occasion. This classic recipe shines with a perfectly spiced batter featuring ground cinnamon and nutmeg, complemented by the natural sweetness of freshly grated carrots. A touch of unsweetened applesauce adds extra moistness, while optional chopped pecans or walnuts deliver a delightful crunch. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this two-layer cake is a show-stopping treat that's as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this homemade carrot cake recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress. Serve it chilled for the best texture and flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 48/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

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

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 mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together to remove any lumps.

Step 3

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

Step 4

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

Step 5

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

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly 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 comes out clean.

Step 8

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 9

While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

Step 10

Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Add a small amount of milk if needed to achieve your desired frosting consistency.

Step 11

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake.

Step 12

Optional: Decorate the cake with additional chopped nuts or grated carrot as garnish.

Step 13

Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2751.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8443.0

Total Fat 468.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 150.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.4g
Cholesterol 1254.1mg	0%
Sodium 5564.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1037.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 40.9g	0%
Total Sugars 782.6g
Protein 82.2g	0%

Vitamin D 171.8IU	0%
Calcium 845.9mg	0%
Iron 21.4mg	0%
Potassium 3782.3mg	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: 48.5%

Protein: 3.8%

Carbs: 47.7%