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Slice of easy carrot cake with cream cheese frosting on a plate

Easy Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A delightful, moist carrot cake topped with creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting that brings a sense of nostalgia with every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 295 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 60 g unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1.5 cups icing sugar / powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice Fresh or bottled can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup canola oil Can substitute with applesauce for a lower-fat option.
  • ½ cup caster sugar / superfine sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups grated carrots Approx. 4-5 large carrots.
  • 1.5 cups plain flour / all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 160°C / 320°F (fan/convection) or 180°C / 355°F (standard). Grease and line a 20 cm (8 inch) round cake tin with baking paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the canola oil, caster sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and grated carrots. Stir until well mixed.
  • Sift the plain flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon over the carrot mixture. Stir gently until just combined; take care not to overmix.
  • Transfer the batter into the prepared tin. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
  • Let it cool in the tin for about 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frosting preparation

  • To prepare the frosting, beat the butter and cream cheese together in an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Gradually add the sifted icing sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Keep beating until fluffy and thick.
  • If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of lemon juice at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly on top.

Notes

To extend the life of your carrot cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It also freezes beautifully for up to three months. Don't overmix the batter for best results.
Keyword Baking, Carrot Cake, Cream Cheese Frosting, Easy Dessert, Vegetable Cake