Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch round baking pan, using baking spray. Alternately you can butter the pan and coat well with flour, shaking our excess flour. Line the bottom of your pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
Finely shred carrots, using a hand grater or small food processor. Optionally, place shredded carrots on a cutting board and chop further. Set aside.
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together vegetable oil, applesauce and sugars. Mix in one egg at a time, followed by vanilla. Scrape bowl as needed. Add salt, baking powder, baking soda and remaining spices. Mix in carrots. Lastly, mix in flour, one cup at a time. Mix until just combined and no streaks remain.
Transfer batter to prepared baking pan. Use a small offset spatula to level off the top.
Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of your cake comes out clean and the center springs back when gently touched. Cool in pan until easy to handle. Then carefully tip cake upside down onto one hand to remove the pan and parchment paper. Allow cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
If you are not frosting immediately, wrap cake in 2-3 layers of plastic wrap and store overnight at room temperature.
Prepare frosting. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until light and fluffy. Add in vanilla, followed by 1/2 cup of powdered sugar at a time. Beat until fully combined and desired consistency is reached. Frost cake as desired.
Enjoy immediately. Store cake in an airtight container for up to several days. Cake may be stored at room temperature or chilled and brought to room temperature prior to eating.
Notes
Recipe serves 8 very generous slices or up to 16.An original recipe from Baked by Rachel
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most accurate data, use your preferred nutrition calculator with the actual ingredients you used to make this recipe.
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