There’s something so delightful about baking a simple cake, especially when it comes to this fantastic carrot cake recipe! The warm, sweet aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is just irresistible. Trust me, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total newbie in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone just starting out. It’s straightforward, requires minimal fuss, and results in a moist, delicious cake that everyone will adore. Plus, the addition of grated carrots makes it feel a little healthy, right? My friends always rave about it, and I love how easy it is to whip up. So, grab your mixing bowls, and let’s get baking! You’ll be so proud of yourself when you serve this delightful dessert.

Ingredients List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

How to Prepare Instructions

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps your cake rise evenly and bake thoroughly. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a cake that’s gooey in the middle!

Prepare Your Cake Pans

Now, grab those two 9-inch round cake pans! Grease them up with some butter or cooking spray and then sprinkle a little flour in each pan, shaking them around to coat the bottom and sides. This step is crucial to prevent your beautiful cakes from sticking. We want them to slide right out when they’re done!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything’s combined well, but don’t overmix! The key here is to keep your cake light and airy.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix together the 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, and 1 cup of vegetable oil until it’s all nice and smooth. Then, add the 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps incorporate air into the batter, which is what we want for that fluffy texture.

Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Now it’s time to bring it all together! Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we definitely don’t want that!

Add Carrots and Optional Ingredients

Next, fold in the 2 cups of grated carrots, and if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in the optional 1 cup of chopped walnuts and 1 cup of raisins. Gently fold these in, being careful not to overmix again. We want those lovely chunks to stay intact!

Bake the Cakes

Now, divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans and pop them in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they’re done, simply insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready to go!

Cooling the Cakes

Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is super important because if you frost them too soon, the icing can melt right off, and we don’t want that! Let them cool down, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your masterpiece.

FAQs About This Carrot Cake Recipe

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! If you want to go gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum, which helps mimic the texture of regular flour. Easy peasy!

How can I store leftover cake?

Storing leftover cake is super simple! Just place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Can I substitute ingredients?

Definitely! If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can substitute some of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. It works like a charm without sacrificing moisture. You can also switch out the sugar for your favorite sweetener if you’re watching your sugar intake. Just keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This carrot cake recipe has so much to offer, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll absolutely love making it:

• Quick prep time: You can whip this up in just 20 minutes—perfect for those busy days!
• Beginner-friendly: The steps are straightforward, making it a great choice for anyone new to baking.
• Incredibly flavorful: The combination of warm spices and sweet carrots creates a deliciously moist cake that’s hard to resist.
• Healthy options available: With the ability to substitute applesauce for oil, you can enjoy a lighter version without sacrificing taste!
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a casual family dinner, this cake is sure to impress!

Honestly, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Tips for Success

To make sure your carrot cake turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my best tips! First, remember to not overmix your batter. A few lumps are totally fine—overmixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want it light and fluffy! Also, check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer if you have one; ovens can be tricky, and you want that sweet spot at 350°F (175°C) for the best baking results. And don’t skip the cooling step—allowing the cakes to cool completely before frosting is crucial if you want a nice, neat finish. Finally, feel free to taste your batter (but watch out for those raw eggs!)—if it’s good, the cake will be even better! Happy baking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one slice of this delightful carrot cake, based on standard ingredients:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 25g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keep in mind that these values may vary slightly depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. But overall, you can feel good about treating yourself to a slice (or two) of this scrumptious cake!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your leftover carrot cake is a breeze! Just place it in an airtight container at room temperature, and it should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you live in a warmer climate or just want to keep it longer, you can pop it in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture!

If you want to reheat a slice, the best method is to use the microwave. Just warm it up for about 10-15 seconds—this will make it soft and cozy without drying it out. If you prefer it warm and slightly crispy, you can also pop a slice in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Either way, you’ll be enjoying that deliciousness all over again!

Next Steps

Now that you’ve got this amazing carrot cake recipe in your hands, it’s time to get baking! I can’t wait for you to try it out. Once you’ve whipped up your delicious cake, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add any special twists or toppings? Please share your experiences in the comments below—your insights might inspire others to try their hand at baking this delightful treat.

And hey, if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with your friends and family, and let them join in on the fun of making this scrumptious cake. Whether it’s for a birthday, a cozy gathering, or just a little midweek treat, the joy of baking is always better when shared. Happy baking, and I hope your kitchen fills with the wonderful smell of carrot cake soon!

Carrot Cake Recipe: 7 Easy Steps for Beginners to Enjoy!

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This is a simple and delicious carrot cake recipe that’s perfect for beginners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups grated carrots
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 1 cup raisins (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
7. Fold in the grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins if using.
8. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light.
• You can substitute applesauce for some of the oil for a healthier option.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: carrot cake recipe, easy carrot cake, beginner carrot cake