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Easy Carrot Cake

Irresistibly Easy Carrot Cake That Everyone Will Love

This Easy Carrot Cake is a moist dessert with warm cinnamon and cream cheese frosting, perfect for any celebration or family night.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 345

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Spoon and level for accuracy.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Ensure it's fresh for proper rising.
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt Do not skip as it balances sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Can substitute with pumpkin pie spice if desired.
  • 1 cup vegetable oil Can be replaced with canola or melted coconut oil.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar Use light or dark depending on preference.
  • 2 large eggs Use room temperature for better emulsion.
  • 2 cups grated peeled carrots Freshly grated is preferred for texture.
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans Can substitute with walnuts or omit if nut-free.
  • 1/2 cup raisins Optional; can be replaced with shredded coconut.
For the Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese Should be at room temperature for easy blending.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Optional for stability in frosting.
  • 2 cups powdered sugar Sift to avoid lumps.
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream Use cold for optimal whipping.
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans for topping Toast for enhanced flavor.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Cake Pans
  • wire rack

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Easy Carrot Cake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, mix together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth, then add eggs one at a time.
  4. Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined, then fold in carrots, pecans, and raisins.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and bake for 35-45 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
  6. Let cakes cool in the pans for about 15 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
  7. Prepare the frosting by beating cream cheese until smooth, adding powdered sugar and cornstarch, then mix in heavy cream until fluffy.
  8. Once cool, frost the first layer, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides of the cake, garnishing with pecans.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 230mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 650IUCalcium: 90mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.

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