“This is the best carrot cake ever” was a compliment I received when I made this cake for one of our dinner parties. This was coming from a guy …
It’s an old recipe, one that my mom used to make and one that we all loved. I tweaked it a tiny bit, substituting 1/2 cup of oil with homemade applesauce. I have to admit, I love the recipe with the full amount of oil but I feel it’s a bit much. The applesauce is a great substitute.
I made the applesauce by cooking the apples in as little water as I could get away with. I didn’t add any sugar, and I blended it as smooth as baby food. The other thing I really like is the addition of toasted, coarsely ground pecans.
It doesn’t even need any frosting as far as I’m concerned …
It’s full of cinnamon”y” goodness!
- 1 1/2 cups cooking oil* (substitute 1/2 cup of oil with smooth applesauce)
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup pecans - toasted and coarsely ground
- Beat oil and sugar well.
- Add eggs, beat well.
- Sift flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and blend with egg mixture.
- Fold in carrots and pecans.
- Pour into bundt pan and bake at 350 degrees for at least one hour.
OK, in the end I did drizzle a little cream cheese frosting over it … pure deliciousness!
I am printing this off to try! Sounds great!
This looks delicious, Barb.
Thank you for sharing the recipe here.
I don’t know which is more spectacular, your cake or your photos! I will have to try this!
Well, it looks and sounds delicious. I may have to try it, I know my husband would love it. {I’m more of a chocolate girl myself.}
I have made this cake three times. It is so good. My family loves it. Making another today
Making two carrot cakes for a party. Everyone loves this recipe
Beautiful food photography Barb. the cake looks delicious. I don’t dare make or I would eat the whole thing.
Oh wow!! Your photography is amazing Barb! Love the dark counter surface. After seeing your recipes, I’m certain you are a fantastic cook!! I’ve used applesauce in place of oil, and it is a great substitute. Love the top photo!!!
Wow , I love your photos, Barb, the dark background is wonderful ! I love the light too ! Your recipe is definitely one to try :))
Hi, Barb! This cake looks delicious, and your photos are gorgeous! Pinned and tweeted!
I’m a new follower! So glad to have found you at the Best DIY Projects and Recipe Party. :)
This looks amazing! I love carrot cake and your photography is beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
This really is the best carrot cake ever! I was always really happy with my own recipe, but when hubby asked for carrot cake for his birthday I thought I was time to step it up a notch. This recipe is so straightforward, enjoyable to make and with such a good result. The roasted pecans really took things up a notch. I agree it is delicious on its own but topped it with cream cheese icing. Wow. The whole family commented it is the best carrot cake they’ve ever had! Thank you Barb for this new family favourite of ours!
Well, thank you so much Melissa! I’m so pleased you like it!
I have looked for this recipe for years. My mother always made carrot cake in a tube pan and it had that brown color just like your picture shows. She always put a rum icing on it and it was my favorite cake.
Awesomeness! and that rum icing – sounds delish!!
I made this AWESOME cake for my fiancés birthday. Her favorite cake is carrot cake and cream cheese frosting. I made it exactly as the recipe reads, using the applesauce options. It came out just perfect. Thank you.
I’m so happy you enjoyed this cake! it’s truly a family favourite here :)
hey Barb I’m about to make this beautiful cake now. What is cooking oil?
Like sunflower oil or Crisco? Thanks!
Hi Ayse, I use Canola oil …
I made this cake this past weekend. It was the best cake I’ve made. Used 1/2 cup of applause and the cake was very moist. Next time I want to try this with Splenda. Thanks again for the recipe.
WHEN IT SAYS USE 1/2 CUP OIL AND APPLESAUCE HOW MUCH OF THEE APPLESAUCE SHOULD I USE?
Use 1 cup oil and 1/2 cup applesauce.
I have made this recipe so many times. Everyone loves it