(warning, jumping to recipe can result in missing important information including alternative ingredients and tips. Also, as an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases made via the links on this website.)
This Simple Layered Carrot Cake Recipe is a delicious moist and flavorful cake made with fresh carrots and cream cheese frosting .
Thanks to the carrots and the added seasonings, this cake has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy goodness!
The recipe for a simple layered carrot cake.
This is a versatile recipe that can be made as a sheet cake, round cake, or even as cupcakes.
Top this cake with a simple cream cheese frosting and you will have a great tasting dessert!
Did you try my Carrot Cake Rice Krispie Treats?
Those carrot cake treats are a delicious take on two popular recipe ideas.
Both this carrot cake and those carrot krispie treats are delicious dessert ideas that most of us can agree on!
Top your carrot cake dessert with edible carrot cake toppings that may be especially perfect for a gathering or event. You can find a selection of edible carrot cake decorations here.
Frequently asked questions about Carrot Cake.
Using the right kind of fat ingredients help to make the cake moist.
This includes using full fat milk and vegetable oil.
Other factors that can influence the moisture in a cake include baking the cake at the correct temperature and added eggs.
This cake should be stored in an airtight container.
If properly stored, it should keep for up to a week refrigerated.
Because this cake is made with dairy in the frosting, it should be refrigerated rather than stored at room temperature. However, you can wrap the cake in plastic wrap and freeze this cake for up to a couple of months. I would freeze the cake in slices just for ease of storing and serving.
Tips for making an easy carrot cake recipe.
Double prepping your pan(s) is a good idea when you are baking carrot cake.
I double prep by first greasing the pan and the lightly dusting it with flour.
More tips for you
- This cake works great when you add a handful or so of raisins or similar dried fruit. The chewy element works so well when you are chewing on the moist carrot cake!
- When you add the grated carrots, it is best to to fold them into the batter. This will help to not overmix the batter which can result in ruining your cake.
- Lastly, you cake should be fully cooled before you frost it.
You would probably not enjoy this cake if the frosting is melted on to it 😉.
How to make carrot cake even better.
This cake is moist and delicious just the way it is.
You can however, make yours even better.
Try one of these ideas.
- Jazz up the flavor ny using a variety of different types of spices. Traditional carrot cake are usually made with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. You can however try using other spices like cloves, allspice, or cardamom.
- Add different types of chopped nuts to the batter. While pecans or walnuts may be the classic nut in carrot cake, you can alternatively use other types of nuts such as almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Add dried fruits or similar vegetables. Ideas include pineapple, yellow raisins, or even zucchini.
👇You may also be interested in these ideas!👇
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About this recipe for making a carrot cake recipe simple.
This moist and simple carrot cake with cream cheese frosting is a deliciously satisfying dessert idea. Also, this is made with freshly grated carrots which add texture, flavor, and color to this cake.
Here are some ideas on what to serve this cake with.
- Ice cream or whipped cream. It is the creamy cool texture of the ice cream or whipped cream that can really balance out the sweetness of the cake.
- Serve this cake with fruits such as pineapple, raisins, or cherries/
- Drizzle some maple syrup over the cake.
- Top the frosting with pecans, walnuts, and almonds for added crunch
Ingredients needed to make a Simple Layered Carrot Cake Recipe.
- All Purpose Flour. Use flour that is fresh for best results.
- Salt. A small amount will help to add balance to the flavors.
- Baking soda and Baking Powder.The leavening agents used to help this cake rise.
- Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg. Classic spices that enhance the flavors of a carrot cake.
- Vegetable Oil. A neutral oil added for moisture.
- Light Brown Sugar. Lightly packed.
- Milk. Use full fat milk for a more moist and flavorful cake.
- Eggs. Your eggs should be at room temperature.
- Vanilla Extract. Use pure vanilla extract for best results.
- Carrots. Your carrots should be peeled and then shredded.
- Optional. Chopped pecans . For the cake itself or for the topping.
Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients.
- Cream cheese Your cream cheese should be softened to room temperature.
- Salted butter.Also at room temperature.
- Pure Vanilla Extract. For added flavoring.
- Powdered Sugar. Granulated sugar will not work.
How to make this Simple Layered Carrot Cake Recipe.
My cakes were made using three six inch cake pans for reference.
Baking times can vary depending on the size pan that you are using.
Step One: prepare.
Grate your carrot if they have not been grated yet. Also, preheat your oven to 350 and prep two round cake pans or pans of choice for nonstick.
Step Two: Make the cake.
- In a medium bowl, use a whisk to combine together the the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the oil and the sugar until light and fluffy. Then add the milk, eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients from the first bowl to mixing bowl and beat until just combined.
- Lastly, fold in in the grated carrots.
- Bake the cakes for for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Then allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
Expert Tip 👉 Place the prepared pans on a rimmed baking sheet before filling them with batter. This will make it easier to transfer the cakes in and out of the oven.
Step Three: finish making the cakes.
- To make the frosting, in a mixing bowl, cream together the combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add half of the powdered sugar and continue to mix. Then stir in the remaining powdered sugar in increments until you reach your desired texture of frosting. You may need more or less than the specified amount of powdered sugar depending on the texture of the frosting that you want.
- Once your carrot cakes are fully cooled, use a serrated (bread) knife to make the cakes level. Usually this means slicing off the center when the cake may have risen more.
- Frost the tops of each of the cakes and them layer the cakes with the frosted sides up to put the cake together.
- You can then add any additional frosting and toppings before serving.
👇👇Related Ideas.👇👇
In case you missed it.
- The recipe for a simple layered carrot cake.
- Frequently asked questions about Carrot Cake.
- Tips for making an easy carrot cake recipe.
- How to make carrot cake even better.
- About this recipe for making a carrot cake recipe simple.
- Ingredients needed to make a Simple Layered Carrot Cake Recipe.
- Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients.
- How to make this Simple Layered Carrot Cake Recipe.
Simple Layered Carrot Cake Recipe, a delicious moist and flavorful cake dessert made with fresh carrots and cream cheese frosting.
Simple Layered Carrot Cake Recipe,
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1⅔ cups All Purpose Flour
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ⅔ tsp Baking Soda
- ⅔ tsp Baking Powder
- ⅔ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ⅔ cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar
- ¾ cup Milk
- 2 Eggs - room temperature
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 ½ cups Carrots - grated
For the frosting
- 12 oz Cream Cheese - softened to room temperature
- ½ cup Butter - softened to room temperature
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- Grate your carrots if they have not been grated yet. Also, preheat your oven to 350 and prep two round cake pans or pans of choice for nonstick.
- In a medium bowl, use a whisk to combine together the the flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the oil and the sugar until light and fluffy. Then add the milk, eggs and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients from the first bowl to mixing bowl and beat until just combined. Lastly, fold in in the grated carrots.
- Bake the cakes for for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Then allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- To make the frosting, in a mixing bowl, cream together the combine the softened cream cheese and butter. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add half of the powdered sugar and continue to mix. Then stir in the remaining powdered sugar in increments until you reach your desired texture of frosting. You may need more or less than the specified amount of powdered sugar depending on the texture of the frosting that you want.
- Once your carrot cakes are fully cooled, use a serrated (bread) knife to make the cakes level. Usually this means slicing off the center when the cake may have risen more.
- Frost the tops of each of the cakes and then layer the cakes, with the frosted sides up, to put the cake together. You can then add any additional frosting and toppings before serving.
Recipe Notes
Also, please see the actual recipe post for further details on this recipe. Nutritional Information is only an estimate and can vary especially with ingredients that are used. See DiyandFun.com for details on this recipe.
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Nutrition
Please note: Nutritional data has been calculated using a tool that comes with this recipe card and not by me. This means that Nutritional Information is only an estimate and can vary especially with ingredients that you use. The accuracy of this tool may differ from other tools as expected. Also note that there is no instructional value to the video that may be attached to this recipe. It is only there for visual pleasure. For more information about the images in this recipe, please refer the the recipe instructions. Thank you!
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