
Ingredients
For the cake:
● 2 cups all-purpose flour
● 2 teaspoons baking powder
● 1 teaspoon baking soda
● 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
● 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
● 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
● 1/4 teaspoon ground clove
● 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
● 4 eggs, room temperature (For an egg substitute: 1 tbsp ground flax per egg mixed with 3 tbsp water)
● 3/4 cup Bragg Organic Olive Oil
● 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
● 1 cup sugar
● 3/4 cup light brown sugar
● 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
● 3 cups finely grated carrots
● 1/2 cup brown or golden raisins (optional)
For the cream cheese frosting:
● 12 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
● 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) unsalted butter, room temperature
● 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
● Pinch of sea salt
● 4 cups powdered sugar, plus more as needed
STEP 1
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line with parchment paper.
STEP 2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and ginger until combined.
STEP 3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, olive oil, applesauce, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla until combined.
STEP 4
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Gently fold in grated carrots and raisins (if using).
STEP 5
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared baking pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
STEP 6
Remove from the oven and cool for 5-10 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool to room temperature.
STEP 7
Using an electric mixer on high speed, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth, about 1 minute. Mix in vanilla and salt. Reduce speed to low and gradually add powdered sugar. Increase speed to high and beat until frosting is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. If frosting is too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar and mix until desired consistency is reached.
STEP 8
When cakes have completely cooled, place 1 cake, domed side down, on a platter. Using an offset spatula, spread about 3/4 cup of the frosting evenly over the top. Place the second cake, domed side down, on top. Spread remaining frosting evenly over the top and sides.