Carrot cake is a timeless classic, cherished for its warm spices and tender crumb.1 This particular recipe features a brilliant baker’s secret: we’ve swapped half the traditional oil for applesauce. Not only does this cut down on added fats and calories, but it also harnesses natural sugars to ensure an incredibly moist, elegant texture that never feels heavy. Combined with the crunch of pecans and the chew of golden raisins, this cake is a textured masterpiece topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting that will have everyone asking for your “secret ingredient.”
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 40 min | Total Time: 55 min
Key Ingredients
The Cake Base
- Flour & Leavening: 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour and 1 tbsp baking soda.
- Warm Spice Blend: 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tsp nutmeg, ½ tsp ginger, and a pinch of cloves.
- The “Moisture Duo”: ½ cup vegetable oil and 2 cups North Coast Applesauce.
- Sugar & Eggs: 2 cups granulated sugar and 4 large eggs.
- The Texture: 3 cups finely shredded carrots, 1 cup raisins (or golden raisins), and 1 cup chopped pecans.
The Cream Cheese Frosting
- Dairy: 8 oz cream cheese and ½ cup butter (both softened).
- Sweetness: 4 cups powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper or grease them thoroughly to ensure a clean release.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and all spices. Stir well to ensure the leavening and spices are evenly distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla, and the 2 cups of applesauce until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined—be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cake tough.
- Fold in the “Goodies”: Gently fold in the shredded carrots, raisins, and pecans using a spatula.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. Bake for 35–40 minutes. Test with a toothpick; if it comes out clean from the center, they are done!
- Cool & Frost: Allow the cakes to cool completely in the pans. Meanwhile, beat the frosting ingredients in a mixer for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Assembly: Place one layer on your stand, spread a thick layer of frosting, top with the second cake, and frost the top and sides.
Serving Suggestions
- Nutty Finish: Press an extra cup of chopped pecans into the sides of the cake for a professional look and added crunch.
- Carrot Garnishes: Use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of fresh carrot to curl on top of the cake.
- Holiday Flare: This cake is the perfect centerpiece for Easter brunch or a cozy Thanksgiving dessert table.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigeration: Because of the cream cheese frosting, this cake must be stored in the refrigerator. It stays moist for up to 5 days!
- Make-Ahead: You can bake the cake layers a day in advance. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap once cooled and store at room temperature until you are ready to frost.
- Freezing: Unfrosted layers freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
Tips & Tricks
- Fine Shredding: Use the fine side of your grater for the carrots. Finely shredded carrots melt into the batter during baking, providing moisture without large, distracting chunks.2
- Room Temperature is Key: Ensure your butter and cream cheese are truly softened before making the frosting to avoid unappealing lumps.
- Avoid the “Slump”: Make sure the cake is 100% cold before frosting, or the cream cheese will melt and slide right off the sides.
Chef’s Advice
- The “Golden” Swap: If you find regular raisins too dark, use golden raisins. They are slightly sweeter and look beautiful against the orange of the carrots.
- Apple Choice: Use unsweetened applesauce for this recipe. The 2 cups of granulated sugar provide plenty of sweetness, and the applesauce is there primarily for its structural moisture.
- Spice it Up: If you love a deeper flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a bright, citrusy undertone that cuts through the rich frosting.
Nutrition Information (Estimated)
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
| 1 Slice | 580 | 28g | 78g | 3g | 55g | 6g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate based on standard ingredients. For precise dietary tracking, calculate based on the specific brands used.
