Simple Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

Name: Simple Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: All-purpose flour; Granulated sugar; Baking powder; Ground cinnamon; Vegetable oil; Large eggs; Grated carrots; Cream cheese; Unsalted butter; Powdered sugar

Published: March 2, 2025

by Sarah Connor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This simple carrot cake offers ease of preparation without sacrificing flavor
Its beautiful layers and creamy frosting create an eye-catching centerpiece for any table
Enjoy it anytime—whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy afternoon treat with coffee
Plus, it’s versatile enough for personal twists!

I remember the first time I made this cake; my friends devoured it faster than I could say “carrot.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use good quality all-purpose flour for a light and fluffy texture.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar enhances sweetness while balancing the earthy flavor of carrots.
Baking Powder: Fresh baking powder ensures your cake rises beautifully.
Ground Cinnamon: This spice adds warmth and depth to your carrot cake.
Salt: A pinch balances out sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist; feel free to substitute with applesauce for a healthier twist.
Large Eggs: Two eggs provide structure and richness to the batter.
Grated Carrots: Freshly grated carrots add sweetness and moisture; use a box grater for best results.
Nuts (optional): Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch but can be omitted if desired.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for that rich frosting we all love.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the frosting; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetener gives the frosting its delightful sweetness and smooth texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances both flavor and aroma in the frosting.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven : Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans; this will help avoid any sticky situations later.

Mix Dry Ingredients : In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. You’re looking for that perfect balance of dry goodness.

Add Wet Ingredients : In another bowl, combine oil and eggs. Whisk until smooth before adding grated carrots—this is where the magic starts to happen.

Combine Mixtures : Gradually fold your dry mixture into the wet mixture. Be gentle; we want fluffy layers instead of dense bricks! You can add nuts at this stage if using.

Bake the Cakes : Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean—your kitchen will smell divine.

Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting : While cakes cool, beat together softened cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until fluffy.

Now comes the fun part—frosting! Once cooled completely, spread an even layer of cream cheese frosting between cakes before topping off with more icing on top.

When everyone gathers around after dinner admiring your masterpiece of a Simple Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (and maybe sneaking bites), you’ll know you’ve created something special!

You Must Know

This simple carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is more than just dessert; it’s an experience
The aroma of baking carrots and spices fills your kitchen, making it an irresistible treat
With its moist texture and creamy topping, it’s bound to impress everyone!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To nail this simple carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, start by whisking dry ingredients, then fold in the wet ingredients for a smooth batter. Bake at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes until golden.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your simple carrot cake with cream cheese frosting by adding nuts, raisins, or even pineapple for extra moisture and flavor. A dash of nutmeg or ginger can elevate the spice profile!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftover simple carrot cake with cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator for up to one week. For reheating, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds to enjoy that freshly baked taste again.

Chef's Helpful Tips

This simple carrot cake with cream cheese frosting can be made ahead of time; just frost right before serving
Grate fresh carrots instead of using pre-packaged shredded ones for better texture and flavor
Always let the cake cool completely before applying the frosting to avoid melting!

Memories flood back when I recall my first attempt at making this cake; my friends devoured it in minutes, claiming it was the best dessert ever. Their smiles made every effort worthwhile!

FAQ

Can I use other frostings instead of cream cheese?

Absolutely! Buttercream or whipped cream are great alternatives for this simple carrot cake.

How do I make my cake more moist?

Adding a bit of crushed pineapple or applesauce helps keep your simple carrot cake moist.

What spices are best for flavoring?

Cinnamon and nutmeg complement the carrots perfectly in this simple carrot cake recipe.

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