Best Carrot Cake

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients. Position two rack in the upper and lower third of the oven and preheat to 350 F. Generously grease and line 3 (8-inch) round cake pans with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment paper.

2. Step 2

   In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. Whisk to combine the dry ingredients. Set aside.

3. Step 3

   In a large bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until well combined. (Alternatively you can use an electric hand mixer.)

4. Step 4

   Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet, beating until just combined.

5. Step 5

   Fold the carrots into the batter with the chopped pecans, if using, using a rubber spatula.

6. Step 6

   Divide the batter evenly among the prepared baking pans.

7. Step 7

   Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 22 to 26 minutes.

8. Step 8

   Let the cakes cool in the pans.  Prepare the Frosting and Assemble the Cake

9. Step 9

   Gather the ingredients for the frosting.

10. Step 10

    In a large bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, butter, and salt until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.

11. Step 11

    Sift the confectioners' sugar into the bowl with the cream cheese mixture and beat on low speed until blended, scraping down the bowl occasionally. Add the vanilla extract, then increase the speed of the mixer to medium-high, and beat until light and fluffy, about 5 more minutes.

12. Step 12

    To assemble the cake, carefully remove the cooled cakes from the pans. Peel off and discard the parchment. If desired, use a serrated knife to level the layers, using any scraps as snacks or to make cake pops .

13. Step 13

    Place the first layer on a turntable or cake plate, then cover the top with about 2/3 to 3/4 cup of frosting, spreading into a smooth, even layer.

14. Step 14

    Top with a second layer of cake, then cover with another 2/3 to 3/4 cup of frosting, spreading into an even layer. Top with the third layer of cake, and spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake. Swirl the frosting or smooth it as desired.

15. Step 15

    Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans over top of the cake, if desired, and serve.