My Favorite Carrot Cake

With its outstanding spice flavor, super moist crumb, and velvety cream cheese frosting, this is truly the best carrot cake. Use brown sugar and toasted pecans for deeper flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (260g) chopped pecans (1 cup for cake, 1 cup for garnish)
• 1 and 1/2 cups (300g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil or canola oil
• 4 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (133g) smooth unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 and 1/2 cups (312g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 cups (260g) grated carrots (about 4 large)

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 16 ounces (450g) full-fat block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 4 and 1/2 cups (540g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 Tablespoon (15ml) heavy cream or milk
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• pinch of salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Make the cake: Preheat oven to 300°F (149°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the chopped pecans on the sheet and toast for 7-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
2. Turn the oven up to 350°F (177°C). Grease three 9-inch cake pans, line with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper. Parchment paper helps the cakes seamlessly release from the pans.
3. For full instructions : sallysbakingaddiction.com

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