Simple Carrot Cake Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Treat
Are you craving a moist, delicious carrot cake but intimidated by complicated recipes? Fear not! This simple carrot cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this crowd-pleasing dessert!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a breeze to whip up. You likely already have many of them in your pantry!
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For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
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For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's get baking! This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps, making it perfect for even the most novice bakers.
1. Preparing the Dry Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures even distribution of spices throughout your cake.
2. Combining the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until well blended. This creates a smooth base for your cake batter.
3. Bringing It All Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough. Then, gently fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using).
4. Baking the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting.
5. Making the Cream Cheese Frosting:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy.
6. Frosting the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cool, frost it generously with the cream cheese frosting. You can get creative here – use a spatula to create swirls or a simple smooth layer.
Tips for Success:
- Freshly grated carrots: Use freshly grated carrots for the best flavor and texture. Pre-shredded carrots can sometimes be a bit dry.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cool completely: Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Add different spices like ginger or cardamom, or try different nuts like pecans or macadamia nuts. You can also add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
This simple carrot cake recipe is a perfect starting point for your baking adventures. Enjoy!
