Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a timeless dessert that combines the moist and flavorful carrot cake with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion, this cake is sure to impress.
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Why This Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Is the Best
- Moist and Flavorful: The carrot cake is incredibly moist and packed with flavors from the carrots, spices, and nuts.
- Creamy Frosting: The cream cheese frosting is thick, creamy, and perfectly tangy, complementing the sweetness of the cake.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile: You can add your favorite nuts, raisins, or even pineapple to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply craving a delicious dessert, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect choice. The combination of moist cake and creamy frosting makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
Cake:
- Flour: Either gluten-free flour blend or white spelt flour to provide structure, with spelt for non-gluten-free options.
- Leavening agents (Baking soda, Baking powder): Help the cake rise and give it a fluffy texture.
- Spices (Cinnamon, Ginger): Add warmth and depth to the flavor of the carrot cake.
- Sugars (Cane sugar, Light brown sugar): Sweeten the cake and give it moisture, with brown sugar adding a rich, molasses flavor.
- Canola oil: Provides moisture and tenderness to the cake without overpowering the flavor.
- Applesauce: A healthier alternative to add moisture and a slight sweetness.
- Grated carrots: The star ingredient, adding texture, moisture, and a subtle sweetness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with the baking soda to help the cake rise.
- Water: Adds necessary moisture for a soft, fluffy cake.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens and gives structure to the frosting.
- Vegan cream cheese: Provides a tangy, creamy base for the frosting.
- Buttery spread: Adds richness and helps the frosting become smooth and spreadable.
Tips for Making the Best Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality carrots and cream cheese.
- Grate the Carrots Finely: Finely grated carrots will incorporate better into the batter and add more moisture to the cake.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to ensure the frosting sets well.
- Chill Before Serving: Chill the frosted cake for at least an hour before serving for clean slices and a firm frosting.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Cup of Tea: Enjoy a slice of Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting with a hot cup of tea for a cozy dessert.
- With Fresh Fruit: Pair it with fresh berries or a slice of orange for a refreshing contrast.
- With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of creaminess.
- With a Sprinkle of Nuts: Garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Moist, flavorful, and packed with deliciousness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious cake recipes!
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply craving a delicious dessert, Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the perfect choice. The combination of moist cake and creamy frosting makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups of gluten-free flour blend OR white spelt flour
- ½ cup organic cane sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup organic canola oil
- 3 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 Tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tsp baking soda
- ½ Tsp baking powder
- ½ Tsp salt
- 1¼ Tsp cinnamon
- ⅓ Tsp ginger
- 1 Tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup water
For the frosting:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 ounces Daiya brand vegan cream cheese softened
- 4 Tbsp buttery spread softened
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease an 8 or 9 inch round cake pan and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and ginger.
- Add shredded carrots and toss to coat. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Add the sugar, canola oil, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, applesauce, and water to the well. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for about 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edge of the pan, remove the cake, and invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, start making the frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the Daiya cream cheese and vegan butter together.
- Sift in the powdered sugar and blend until creamy and smooth.
- Frost the cooled cake. Refrigerate if not serving immediately. Keep any leftover cake in the refrigerator.
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Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting