sweets

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; Finely Grated Carrots; Vegetable Oil; Eggs; Vanilla Extract; Cream Cheese; Powdered Sugar; Butter; Lemon Juice

February 28, 2025

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The aroma of warm spices and sweet, fresh carrots fills the air as you prepare to indulge in a slice of this Simple Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. Imagine biting into a perfectly moist cake that dances on your taste buds while the creamy frosting melts in your mouth—pure bliss!

This delightful treat is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. Picture this: family gatherings where laughter echoes and the only thing sweeter than the stories shared is the slice of carrot cake waiting on the table. Whether it’s a birthday or just a Tuesday afternoon, this cake is here to elevate any moment!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This simple carrot cake is easy to whip up, making it perfect for beginners and busy bakers alike
Its rich flavors create an irresistible dessert that everyone will enjoy
The beautiful layers and smooth cream cheese frosting make it visually stunning on any occasion
Versatile enough for celebrations or quiet evenings at home, it truly fits all scenarios

Every time I bake this Simple Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting, my friends rave about how delicious it is!

Essential Ingredients

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

All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it’s the foundation of our cake.
Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps create that perfect moist crumb.
Baking Powder: Essential for giving our cake that lovely rise; don’t skip this!
Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth; fresh ground cinnamon works wonders here.
Carrots: Grate them finely to ensure even distribution throughout the batter for sweetness.
Vegetable Oil: Keep things moist; oil ensures your cake stays tender longer.
Eggs: They bind everything together and add richness; use large eggs for best results.
Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
Cream Cheese: The star of our frosting; use full-fat cream cheese for maximum creaminess.
Powdered Sugar: For sweetness in our frosting; sifted ensures a smooth texture.
Butter: Softened butter gives our frosting its lightness and richness.
Lemon Juice: A hint of acidity balances the sweetness of the frosting perfectly.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans generously with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well until combined—smell that heavenly aroma? That’s your cue to keep going!

In another bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until blended smoothly. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix or you’ll end up with tough cake.

Fold in the grated carrots using a spatula until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. You want those bright orange flecks shining through like little bursts of sunshine!

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and smooth out the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center—your kitchen should smell divine right about now!

Once baked, let them cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key here—rushing can lead to disaster!

In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until well combined—stop to taste because we all know that’s important!

Add lemon juice to your frosting mixture; mix again until everything is well incorporated. Now it’s time to frost! Place one layer of your cooled carrot cake on a serving plate.

Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting over this layer before placing the second one on top. Top off with more frosting around the sides—go wild if you want!

Finally, decorate as desired—think walnuts or additional grated carrots for some flair! Slice up that gorgeous Simple Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting and watch everyone swoon.

Enjoy every sweet moment as you serve up slices filled with love—and don’t forget that extra piece waiting just for you!

You Must Know

This simple carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is moist and delicious
The aromatic spices and sweet notes create an irresistible treat
Perfect for celebrations or a cozy afternoon snack, it never fails to impress family and friends

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by grating the carrots, then mix your dry ingredients while the oven preheats. This ensures everything is fresh and ready for mixing, leading to a perfectly baked cake.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add pineapple for extra moisture. You can also play with spices like nutmeg and allspice to tailor the flavor to your liking.

Storing & Reheating

Store your simple carrot cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Ensure your carrots are finely grated for better texture in the cake
To avoid a dense cake, do not overmix the batter; just combine until moistened
Lastly, use room-temperature ingredients to ensure even baking results

Sharing this simple carrot cake recipe always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen filled with laughter and spice—there’s nothing quite like her warm hugs paired with a slice of this cake.

FAQ

Can I use other sweeteners in this simple carrot cake?

Yes, honey or maple syrup can replace granulated sugar for a different flavor profile.

How long should I bake the cake?

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

What type of oil is best for this recipe?

Use vegetable oil or canola oil for moisture without altering the flavor of your carrot cake.