Craving a delicious treat without the fuss? This Easy Carrot Cake recipe delivers a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how simple it is to create this classic dessert, making it one of your go-to easy cake recipes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Carrots: Use fresh carrots, finely grated for the best texture. Pre-shredded carrots work in a pinch.
- Oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil keeps the cake moist. You can also use melted unsalted butter for a richer flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal. A gluten-free baking blend can be substituted.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential. Feel free to add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for more warmth.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: This recipe includes a simple, tangy frosting.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Tools Needed: 8×8 inch baking pan, mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8 inch baking pan. This ensures your easy carrot cake won’t stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add Dry to Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and you want a tender, easy cake.
5. Fold in Carrots
Gently fold in the grated carrots until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is the star of your carrot cake, so ensure it’s well integrated.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared 8×8 inch baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Completely
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
8. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cake cools, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a medium bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
9. Frost Your Cake
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Now your delicious easy carrot cake is ready to enjoy!
Variation Ideas:
- Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the carrots for extra crunch.
- Pineapple Boost: Include ½ cup of drained crushed pineapple for added moisture and tang.
- Citrus Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to the batter for a brighter flavor.
- Coconut Twist: Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Easy Carrot Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If refrigerated, allow it to come to room temperature for the best flavor and texture before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day ahead and store it unfrosted, covered at room temperature. Frost it just before serving.
What kind of carrots should I use?
Fresh, finely grated carrots yield the best flavor and texture. Avoid using baby carrots as they can be less flavorful.
Can I use a different size pan?
You can use a 9-inch round pan, but the baking time may be slightly shorter. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness.
My frosting is too thin, what can I do?
Add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Ensure your butter and cream cheese were properly softened, not melted.
Can I freeze leftover carrot cake?
Yes, you can freeze slices of frosted carrot cake in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Why is my carrot cake dry?
Ensure you are not overbaking the cake. Also, accurately measuring your flour is crucial, as too much can lead to a dry cake. Vegetable oil helps keep this one of the moist easy cake recipes.