Easy Carrot Cake Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
Easy Carrot Cake Recipe
Description
This carrot cake uses a combination of all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt to create a gently spiced base. Eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil are beaten to incorporate air and moisture before folding in the dry ingredients and grated carrots, which add natural sweetness and moisture. Baked at a moderate temperature in a greased pan, the cake develops a tender texture and golden color. Cooling fully is essential before frosting.
The frosting is made by beating softened cream cheese and salted butter with vanilla extract, then incorporating sifted powdered sugar to create a smooth, spreadable icing. This frosting balances the cake’s spices and moist texture with a tangy sweetness and creamy finish, making it a classic carrot cake pairing.
Storing the cake covered in the refrigerator helps maintain freshness for several days. Using the large hole of a grater for carrots and loosely packing them ensures proper moisture and texture. The optional allspice can be adjusted for flavor preference.
Ingredients
Carrot Cake
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons allspice *
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 egg large
- 2 cups granulated sugar 400g
- 1 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 cups carrots loosely packed, peeled and grated
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup butter softened, salted, quantity 4oz
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar sifted, 1 box (16 ounces
Instructions
Carrot Cake
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- To a large bowl, add eggs and whisk until lightly beaten. Add sugar and vegetable oil and beat until well-mixed. Add flour mixture and use a wooden spoon to stir until just mixed.
- Add carrots and stir until evenly distributed, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula to make sure all of the batter is mixed.
- Pour batter into prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for about 50 minutes to 1 hour, until the center of the cake looks set and a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool cake in the pan until completely cool.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until well-combined and smooth. Slowly add sifted powdered sugar and beat until all the sugar is incorporated and frosting is smooth and creamy.
- Spread frosting over the top of the cake. Chill before serving if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Allspice can be omitted or reduced if not preferred for a milder spice profile.
- Use the large-hole side of a grater for the carrots and measure them loosely packed to maintain the right moisture balance.
- Store the finished cake covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for several days.
- This recipe yields about 20 slices, suitable for a medium-sized gathering.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 16to 24 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 446 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 446kcal | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.