Go Back
–+ servings
A serving of carrot cake lifted above the baking pan of carrot cake.
Print Recipe
No ratings yet

Easy Carrot Cake Recipe

My easy carrot cake recipe is moist, flavorful, and packed with freshly grated carrots. Topped with a homemade (or not) cream cheese frosting, it’s a great dessert option for parties, birthdays, the holidays, and more!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Servings: 15
Calories: 385kcal
Author: Samantha Erb

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 cups grated carrots
  • cream cheese frosting store bought or homemade

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9x13 pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. Set it aside.
  • Peel the carrots and grate them until you have about 3 cups. This took about 5 carrots. Set them aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Using a mixing stand or hand mixer, slowly add the eggs, vanilla, and the vegetable oil. Slowly incorporate the grated carrots.
  • Pour the cake mix into the 9x13 pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the center can be poked with a toothpick and comes out clean.
  • Allow it to cool completely before icing the cake.
  • Serve or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to bring to room temperature.

Notes

  • For the smoothest, moistest results, it’s important to finely grate the carrots. I recommend using a food processor when possible.
  • Don’t overmix the batter! This will overdevelop the gluten in the flour and cause the cake to become way too dense. Stir it until just combined.
  • Start checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before icing, otherwise it will melt and slide off.
  • Store leftover slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to enjoy a little warmer!

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 258mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 4341IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg