Homestyle Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

This Homestyle Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is a must-try recipe for those who appreciate the rustic charm and heartiness of bakery-style cakes. Featuring whole wheat flour and a generous amount of freshly grated carrots, this cake offers a wholesome and flavorful base. The addition of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, combined with the natural sweetness of applesauce and brown sugar, creates a perfectly balanced and moist cake. Topped with a simple yet delicious cream cheese frosting, this carrot cake is sure to delight.

Perfect Occasion: This cake is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat for celebrations. It’s a great option for those who prefer less refined ingredients without compromising on taste. The cake can also be a showstopper for holiday festivities or as a comforting dessert to enjoy any time of the year.

Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups (470 ml) whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda
• 1 ½ teaspoons (7.5 ml) ground cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon (3.75 ml) grated nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) applesauce
• ¼ cup (60 ml) brown sugar
• 3 cups (710 ml) freshly grated carrots
• Optional: Toasted nuts (such as walnuts and pecans) for garnish

Cream Cheese Frosting:

• ½ cup (120 ml) softened cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven. Prepare a cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, vanilla, milk, applesauce, and brown sugar.
4. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients to form a batter.
5. Fold in the grated carrots.
6. Bake until golden and firm. Let cool completely.
7. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add maple syrup and vanilla extract and beat until well combined.

Serve your Homestyle Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting garnished with toasted nuts if desired, and enjoy a slice of wholesome deliciousness!