Description
A moist and warmly spiced carrot cake layered with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting and crunchy pecans. Perfect for celebrations or a comforting homemade dessert.
Ingredients
- 2–1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice mix
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1–1/4 cups packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1–1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 2 (8-oz) bricks cream cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
- 1/4 cup full fat sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line and grease two 9-inch cake pans.
- Whisk together flour, pumpkin spice, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugars in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir pecans into dry ingredients and carrots into wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry mixtures gently until just mixed.
- Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs.
- Cool cakes in pans for 30–60 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a rack.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; mix on low then high until creamy. Fold in sour cream if using.
- Level cakes if needed. Frost between layers, then top and sides. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix batter to keep the cake tender.
- Use freshly grated carrots for best moisture and flavor.
- Toast pecans for enhanced flavor.
- Store cake in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
