The Best Carrot Cake in the World

Moist, tender, and packed with warm spices, The Best Carrot Cake in the World is a show-stopping dessert that lives up to its name. This irresistible cake is made with a perfect blend of grated carrots, unsweetened applesauce, and a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon for a flavor that’s deeply comforting and perfectly balanced. The addition of optional chopped walnuts or pecans provides a delightful crunch, while the tangy cream cheese frosting—whipped to velvety perfection—takes each bite to the next level. With just 20 minutes of prep time and straightforward steps, this carrot cake is as easy to make as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a weekend treat, this crowd-pleaser is guaranteed to leave everyone raving. Serve it as a layered masterpiece or in a simple sheet cake style—no matter how you slice it, it’s always a hit!

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

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, packed
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 2 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 cup Vegetable oil
• 0.5 cups Unsweetened applesauce
• 4 Large eggs
• 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
• 3 cups Grated carrots
• 1 cup Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 8 ounces Cream cheese (softened)
• 0.5 cups Unsalted butter (softened)
• 4 cups Powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 1 tablespoon Milk (optional, to thin frosting)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or one 9x13-inch pan.

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 mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.

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 chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.

Step 6

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans or pour it into the 9x13-inch pan.

Step 7

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

Step 8

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

Step 9

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

Step 10

Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. If the frosting is too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 11

Once the cakes are completely cooled, frost the top of the first layer with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting. Place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake. If using a 9x13-inch pan, simply frost the top of the cake.

Step 12

Garnish with additional chopped nuts or shredded carrot if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2512.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	9007.0

Total Fat 487.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 152.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.4g
Cholesterol 1254.1mg	0%
Sodium 4674.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 1145.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.3g	0%
Total Sugars 907.6g
Protein 89.3g	0%

Vitamin D 226.1IU	0%
Calcium 757.0mg	0%
Iron 24.9mg	0%
Potassium 2351.9mg	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: 47.0%

Protein: 3.8%

Carbs: 49.1%