Quick Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot cake has long been a favorite dessert for many people, and for good reason. Its rich and flavorful taste, combined with the warm spices of cinnamon and the moist texture of carrots, makes it a universally loved treat. The addition of cream cheese frosting takes this dessert to a whole new level, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and tangy richness.

This quick carrot cake recipe is designed for those who love the flavors of homemade carrot cake but want to save time. Instead of a labor-intensive recipe that requires multiple steps, this simplified version ensures you can make a delicious cake without spending hours in the kitchen. The cream cheese frosting provides a rich and creamy texture, making this cake feel decadent and special, perfect for any occasion.

This cake is also versatile—whether you’re hosting a birthday party, bringing dessert to a family gathering, or simply satisfying a craving for something sweet, this carrot cake recipe will not disappoint.

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Directions
3. Serving Suggestions
4. Cooking Tips
5. Nutritional Benefits
6. Dietary Information
7. Nutritional Facts (Per Slice)
8. Storage

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

4 medium carrots, grated: Fresh carrots add moisture to the cake and provide that familiar earthy sweetness that carrot cake lovers adore. The grated texture ensures they bake into the cake seamlessly.

3 large eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture to the cake, making it light yet dense enough to support the frosting.

2 cups brown sugar: Brown sugar enhances the flavor of the cake, giving it a deeper, more caramelized sweetness compared to white sugar.

1 cup sunflower oil: The oil keeps the cake moist and tender, while adding a subtle richness without the need for additional butter.

1 tsp ground cinnamon: Cinnamon adds warmth and spice, which is the hallmark of a great carrot cake.

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional): Walnuts provide a nice crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the soft texture of the cake. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can substitute them with other nuts like pecans or almonds, or omit them entirely.

300g all-purpose flour: This serves as the base of the cake, providing structure. You can swap out the flour for a gluten-free alternative if needed.

1 tbsp baking powder: This is the leavening agent that helps the cake rise, making it fluffy and light.

Pinch of salt: A small amount of salt helps balance the sweetness of the cake.

For the Frosting:

150g butter, softened: Softened butter is essential for creating a smooth, creamy frosting.

280g powdered sugar: Powdered sugar gives the frosting its smooth texture and sweetness.

200g cream cheese, softened: Cream cheese is the key ingredient in cream cheese frosting, lending a tangy flavor and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.

Crunchy peanuts (optional, for topping): If you want to add an extra layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle some crunchy peanuts on top of the frosting. They give a salty contrast to the sweet cake and frosting.

Directions:

1. Preheat Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly once it’s in the oven. Grease your cake mold with a little oil or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

2. Prepare the Batter:

In a large mixing bowl, begin by beating the eggs, brown sugar, and sunflower oil together. This creates a smooth, uniform mixture that will help distribute the moisture evenly throughout the cake. Once this is well combined, add the grated carrots, walnuts, and cinnamon, stirring them into the mixture. The carrots should be finely grated so that they can blend seamlessly into the batter. The cinnamon will infuse the cake with that signature warm and cozy flavor.

Gradually fold in the flour, baking powder, and pinch of salt. Take your time with this step to make sure everything is mixed evenly, but don’t overwork the batter, as this can result in a dense cake. You should have a thick, slightly pourable batter that’s rich with carrots and walnuts.

3. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into your prepared cake mold, spreading it evenly. Bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time can vary slightly depending on the size of your cake pan, so check the cake a few minutes before the recommended time to ensure it doesn’t overbake. The cake should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch.

Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This step is essential to ensure that the frosting doesn’t melt or slide off the cake when applied.

4. Make the Frosting:

While the cake is cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened butter, powdered sugar, and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. The key to a great cream cheese frosting is making sure all the ingredients are softened and mixed well to avoid lumps.

For an extra touch, place the frosting in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up slightly. This will make it easier to spread evenly over the cake.

5. Assemble the Cake:

Once the cake has cooled, cut it in half horizontally to create two layers. This step is optional but adds an elegant touch, as you can fill the middle with frosting for added flavor.

Spread a generous amount of frosting between the two layers, ensuring that it’s evenly distributed. Then, spread the remaining frosting over the top and sides of the cake. For extra texture and crunch, garnish with crunchy peanuts or additional chopped walnuts.

Serving Suggestions:

Carrot cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The flavors of the cake and frosting are enhanced when enjoyed with a warm beverage.

For a more festive look, you can decorate the cake with additional walnuts, candied carrots, or even some edible flowers. These small touches elevate the appearance of the cake and make it even more impressive for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.

Cooking Tips:

Walnut Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, try substituting them with pecans, almonds, or macadamia nuts for a different texture and flavor.

Frosting Tip: Always let the cake cool completely before frosting. If you attempt to frost a warm cake, the frosting may melt and become runny.

Flour Substitution: If you need to make this cake gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Spice Variations: If you like a more spiced cake, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the batter.

Nutritional Benefits:

Carrots provide a good source of fiber and vitamin A, which is great for eye health, immune function, and skin health.

Walnuts add heart-healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for brain health and reducing inflammation.

The cream cheese frosting offers a satisfying creamy texture, but it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its richness.

Dietary Information:

This recipe contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. If you have dietary restrictions, there are easy substitutions you can make to adapt the recipe:

For gluten-free carrot cake, use a gluten-free flour blend.

For a dairy-free version, replace the butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and vegan cream cheese.

Nutritional Facts (Per Slice):

• Calories: 350 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 4g

Storage:

Room Temperature:

Store your carrot cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This is the best option if you plan to enjoy it within a short time.

Refrigeration:

If you want to extend the shelf life of your cake, store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let the cake come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Conclusion:

This Quick Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting is a fantastic option for anyone who loves carrot cake but wants a quicker, easier method to prepare it. The moist and flavorful cake, combined with the rich and tangy frosting, is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply craving a slice of homemade goodness, this recipe is a great choice.

The combination of healthy carrots, crunchy walnuts, and creamy frosting creates a perfect dessert, and the option for customizations ensures that you can make this recipe your own. Enjoy the warmth and flavor of this classic cake—it’s bound to become a new favorite!

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