Yes! It’s moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. The carrots keep it tender, while the frosting adds a creamy finish.

Who does the best carrot cake?

Homemade versions like this one win every time. You control the quality of ingredients and the level of sweetness.

Why do people love carrot cake?

Because it’s comforting, nostalgic, and surprisingly balanced sweet, spiced, and creamy all at once.

Why is it called a carrot cake?

It’s named for its star ingredient grated carrots which add moisture, sweetness, and that signature orange hue.

What is the most delicious cake in the world?

Taste is personal, but for many, a well-made carrot cake with cream cheese frosting ranks near the top!

The BEST Carrot Cake Recipe | Irresistibly Moist & Flavorful

Name: The BEST Carrot Cake Recipe | Irresistibly Moist & Flavorful
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g); 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1½ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground ginger; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup canola or vegetable oil (180ml); 4 large eggs, room temperature; 1½ cups packed light brown sugar (300g); ½ cup granulated sugar (100g); ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (125g); 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 3 cups grated carrots, lightly packed (300g); 1 (8 oz) brick-style cream cheese, softened (226g); ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115g); 2 cups powdered sugar (240g); 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Description

This truly is the BEST carrot cake recipe — soft, flavorful, and perfect for Christmas or any celebration.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour (250g)

2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground ginger

¼ tsp ground nutmeg

½ tsp salt

¾ cup canola or vegetable oil (180ml)

4 large eggs, room temperature

1½ cups packed light brown sugar (300g)

½ cup granulated sugar (100g)

½ cup unsweetened applesauce (125g)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

3 cups grated carrots, lightly packed (300g)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1 (8 oz) brick-style cream cheese, softened (226g)

½ cup unsalted butter, softened (115g)

2 cups powdered sugar (240g)

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line with parchment paper.

2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in one bowl.

3. In another bowl, mix oil, eggs, both sugars, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Stir in grated carrots until evenly mixed.

5. Combine wet and dry ingredients gently. Do not overmix.

6. Divide batter evenly into pans and bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

7. Cool in pans 20–25 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. For frosting, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add butter and beat again.

9. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; mix until fluffy.

10. Frost cooled cakes and layer. Decorate with nuts if desired.

Notes

Refrigerate frosted cake for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freeze cake layers and frosting separately for up to 3 months; thaw in fridge before assembling.

Unsweetened applesauce can be replaced with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or drained crushed pineapple.

Use brick-style cream cheese for best frosting texture; avoid whipped versions.

If using sweetened applesauce, reduce granulated sugar by 2–3 tablespoons.

Optional: add ¾–1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts and/or ½ cup raisins to the batter.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Easy & Decadent Christmas Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 520
Sugar: 43g
Sodium: 360mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 62g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg