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

Easy Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

A moist and spiced carrot cake topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the frosting
  • 60 g unsalted butter, softened Adds richness to the frosting.
  • 60 g cream cheese, softened Forms the base of the frosting.
  • 1.5 cups icing sugar / powdered sugar, sifted Sweetens the frosting.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Brightens the flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances the flavor.
For the cake
  • 0.75 cup canola oil Keeps the cake moist.
  • 0.5 cup caster sugar / superfine sugar Adds sweetness.
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed Adds depth of flavor.
  • 2 large eggs Binds the ingredients.
  • 2 cups grated carrots Gives the cake character and moisture.
  • 1.5 cups plain flour / all-purpose flour Forms the cake base.
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder Helps the cake rise.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Balances flavors.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Infuses warm aroma.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) for fan/convection or 180°C (355°F) for standard baking. Grease and line a 20 cm (8 inch) round cake tin with baking paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the canola oil, caster sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs until smooth; then fold in the grated carrots.
Baking the Cake
  1. Sift the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon over the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
  2. Pour the batter into the prepared tin and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Making the Frosting
  1. While the cake cools, beat the softened butter and cream cheese until pale and fluffy, then gradually add the sifted icing sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, beating until thick and smooth.
  2. Adjust the consistency with lemon juice if needed.
Frosting and Serving
  1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.

Notes

Use fresh carrots for best flavor. Add nuts or raisins for texture. Test for doneness using the skewer test.