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Slice of moist carrot cake recipe with cream cheese frosting on a white plate

Carrot Cake Recipe That’s Moist, Easy, and Made for Brunch

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This easy carrot cake recipe is made with wholesome whole wheat flour, naturally sweetened with applesauce, and topped with thick cream cheese frosting. It’s moist, spiced just right, and perfect for brunch, breakfast, or dessert. No mixer needed  just real ingredients and big cozy vibes.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 9 slices

Ingredients

Scale

🥕 Ingredients:

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour

  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

  • Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs (room temp)

  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce

  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or canola oil)

  • ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Add-Ins:

  • 1 ½ cups grated carrots (about 2–3 medium)

  • ½ cup crushed pineapple (optional but recommended, drained)

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Frosting:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 ½–2 cups powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

Instructions

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch square or 8-inch round pan. Line with parchment for easy removal.

  2. Mix Dry: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

  3. Mix Wet: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, applesauce, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

  4. Combine: Stir wet into dry until just combined. Fold in grated carrots, drained pineapple, and nuts (if using).

  5. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth top. Bake for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  6. Cool: Let cake cool completely before frosting.

  7. Make Frosting: Beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Add powdered sugar gradually and beat until fluffy.

  8. Frost: Spread frosting over cooled cake. Decorate with extra nuts or a dusting of cinnamon if desired.

  9. Serve: Slice and enjoy for breakfast, brunch, or dessert!

Notes

📝 Notes:

 

  • Make it gluten-free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour + 1 tbsp extra applesauce

  • Make it dairy-free: Use vegan cream cheese and plant butter

  • Make it egg-free: Sub 2 flax eggs or mashed banana

  • Lower sugar option: Use ¼ cup brown sugar + ¼ cup maple syrup

  • Storage: Keeps 4–5 days in fridge. Can freeze frosted or unfrosted!

  • Author: EMMA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://creamcheesekitchen.com/carrot-cake-recipe-cream-cheese-frosting/