Simply Carrot Carrot Cake

Indulge in the classic comfort of "Simply Carrot Carrot Cake," a moist and flavorful dessert that celebrates the natural sweetness of freshly grated carrots. This easy-to-follow recipe combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with a perfect balance of granulated and brown sugars for a dynamic, rich flavor profile. Enhanced by the addition of unsweetened applesauce for extra moisture and topped with a luxuriously smooth cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake is a showstopper for any occasion. Optional chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, while simple garnishes like a sprinkle of cinnamon or extra grated carrot complete the presentation. Ready in just 50 minutes, this crowd-pleasing, two-layer cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or anytime you're craving a bakery-worthy treat from the comfort of home.

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

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

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 mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4

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

Step 5

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

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, spreading it out in an even layer.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Step 10

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 11

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

Step 12

Garnish with additional chopped nuts, grated carrot, or a light dusting of cinnamon, if desired.

Step 13

Slice, serve, and enjoy your Simply Carrot Carrot Cake!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2405.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8458.5

Total Fat 434.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 144.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 100.8g
Cholesterol 1253.4mg	0%
Sodium 4664.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1115.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.5g	0%
Total Sugars 881.9g
Protein 81.9g	0%

Vitamin D 164IU	0%
Calcium 717.4mg	0%
Iron 23.0mg	0%
Potassium 2272.3mg	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: 44.9%

Protein: 3.8%

Carbs: 51.3%