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Easy Carrot Cake Recipe in 3 Simple Steps

Easy Carrot Cake Recipe in 3 Simple Steps

The ultimate comfort cake made simple. This Easy Carrot Cake recipe walks you through three easy steps for a moist, flavorful dessert. Discover more.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground cloves
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 4-5 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Whisk the Wet and Dry Foundations

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the neutral oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly pale. In a separate medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all your warm baking spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves). Gradually pour the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a rubber spatula just until no dry streaks remain. Actionable Tip: Stop mixing the moment the flour disappears! Overmixing activates the gluten, which is the number one cause of tough, rubbery cakes.

  2. Step 2: Fold in the Fresh Carrots and Mix-ins

    Now, it is time to build the texture. Take your freshly grated carrots and add them to the batter, along with your toasted nuts and raisins if you are using them. Using your spatula, gently fold these heavy ingredients into the batter using a scooping, bottom-to-top motion. This ensures the carrots are evenly distributed without deflating the air you whisked into the eggs in Step 1. Actionable Tip: Always grate your carrots at home using the fine or medium holes of a box grater. They release essential juices into the batter that make this easy carrot cake incredibly moist.

  3. Step 3: Bake to Perfection and Frost

    Pour the thick, textured batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with an offset spatula. Bake on the center rack for 35 to 40 minutes. You will know it is done when the edges pull away slightly from the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake cools completely, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until smooth. Once the cake is entirely cool to the touch, slather the tangy frosting over the top in luxurious, thick swirls.

Notes

https://cakeguides.com/master-the-cake-100-recipes-from-simple-to-showstopping/