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A Simple Carrot Cake Dessert, beautifully plated and ready to eat

Simple Carrot Cake Dessert

This simple carrot cake is moist and flavorful, topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting. It's an easy dessert perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • 8x8 inch square baking pan or 9-inch round cake pan
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large bowl
  • Wire rack
  • Electric mixer (optional)

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8x8 inch square baking pan or a 9-inch round cake pan.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then set aside.

Mixing the Batter

  • In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  • Gently fold in the grated carrots until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Baking and Frosting

  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer comes out clean.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before frosting.
  • While the cake cools, prepare the frosting by beating softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  • Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the frosting, adjusting consistency with milk or more sugar as needed.
  • Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, then slice and enjoy.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients, especially cream cheese and butter, are at room temperature for a smooth frosting.