Easy Carrot Cake

Here’s an easy and delicious Carrot Cake recipe—moist, spiced, and topped with classic cream cheese frosting:

Easy Carrot Cake Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp salt

• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional but adds moisture)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

• 2–3 cups powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or two 8-inch round pans.

2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Combine: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Fold in the grated carrots, nuts, and pineapple (if using).

5. Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes (for 9×13) or 25–30 minutes (for round pans), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Cool: Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

To Make Frosting:

1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy.

3. Mix in vanilla.

4. Spread over cooled cake.

Would you like a version that’s dairy-free or gluten-free?