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A slice of moist carrot cake with cream cheese frosting on a white plate.

Quick way to grow perfect Carrot Cake in 7 easy steps

This recipe provides a quick and easy method to bake a delicious carrot cake from scratch, perfect for any occasion. Follow these 7 simple steps to achieve a perfectly moist and flavorful cake with a creamy frosting.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake
  • 2 cups Carrots shredded
  • 2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups Granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup Brown sugar
  • 2 tsp Baking soda
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 1 cup Vegetable oil
  • 4 Eggs large
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz Cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
  • 3 cups Powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls (2)
  • Whisk
  • Electric mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9-inch round baking pans (2)
  • Wire rack
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Mixing the Batter
  1. In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined, then fold in the shredded carrots.
Baking the Cake
  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling the Cake
  1. Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Ensure cakes are fully cooled before frosting.
Preparing Frosting
  1. While the cakes cool, prepare the cream cheese frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Finishing Frosting
  1. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Assembling the Cake
  1. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost generously between the layers and all over the top and sides of the cake. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Notes

For extra richness, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for the smoothest frosting.