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Easy Moist No-Mixer Carrot Cake Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

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A simple, moist carrot cake made without a mixer, featuring a tender crumb and a silky smooth cream cheese frosting. Perfect for last-minute dessert cravings or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil preferred)
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots (about 4–5 medium carrots), peeled and shredded
  • ½ cup drained crushed pineapple (optional)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • For the cream cheese frosting:
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with butter or non-stick spray and line with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
  4. Pour in vegetable oil, then add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix gently with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until smooth and no flour streaks remain.
  5. Fold in grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts if using.
  6. Transfer batter to prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking at 40 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. To make frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fluffy. Stir in vanilla extract and lemon juice if using.
  10. Once cake is cool, spread frosting evenly over the top.
  11. Let cake sit for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow frosting to set.

Notes

If batter is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons milk to loosen. Avoid overmixing to keep cake tender. Tent cake with foil if browning too fast. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. For more spice, increase cinnamon to 2½ teaspoons and add a pinch of ground cloves. Use almond flour for gluten-free or flax eggs and dairy-free alternatives for vegan versions.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, no mixer carrot cake, easy carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, moist carrot cake, simple dessert, homemade carrot cake

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/easy-moist-no-mixer-carrot-cake-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting-tutorial/