Description

An ultra-moist, budget-friendly carrot cake made with oil and applesauce for tenderness, topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. This easy, from-scratch recipe uses pantry staples and yields a fork-tender dessert perfect for families.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup vegetable oil
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups freshly grated carrots
½ cup walnuts or pecans (optional)
8 oz block cream cheese, full-fat and softened
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla for 2 minutes until glossy.
Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until just combined.
Fold in freshly grated carrots and nuts (if using) with a spatula.
Pour batter into prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
While cake cools, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and salt.
Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low then medium-high until fluffy.
Frost cooled cake layers and serve.

Notes

Do not use pre-shredded carrots as they are waxy; grate fresh carrots for best moisture. Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened but not melted for the frosting. The cake tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 450
Sugar: 40
Sodium: 350
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 55
Fiber: 2
Protein: 5

Keywords: carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, moist carrot cake, budget-friendly dessert, family recipe, from scratch cake, easy baking