Moist • Cinnamon-spiced • Simple ingredients • Ready fast
This recipe is great for beginners and works for snacks, school lunches, or a cozy treat with zero stress.
🥣 Ingredients (Simple & Budget-Friendly)
Dry Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
½ cup sugar
¼ cup brown sugar (optional but recommended)
½ cup oil (any neutral oil)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Add-Ins
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
¼ cup raisins
A pinch of nutmeg
🔥 1. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Salt
Set aside.
🥕 2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
Add sugar, brown sugar, and oil
Stir until smooth
Mix in the egg and vanilla
Fold in the grated carrots
🥄 3. Combine Everything
Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture.
Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix.
If using nuts or raisins, fold them in now.
🍰 4. Pour Into a Pan
Use:
An 8×8 inch pan or
A loaf pan
Lightly oil the pan or line it with parchment paper.
🔥 5. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 22–28 minutes, depending on your pan.
Cake is done when:
The center springs back when touched, or
A toothpick comes out clean
🍯 6. Optional: Quick Cream Cheese Frosting
This takes just 2 minutes!
Mix:
3 tablespoons cream cheese
2 tablespoons butter (softened)
⅓ cup powdered sugar
A splash of vanilla
Spread on top once the cake cools.
(Or skip frosting if you’re busy — the cake is great on its own!)
⭐ Tips for the Best Easy Carrot Cake
Grate carrots finely so they blend smoothly.
Use oil instead of butter for a moist cake.
Brown sugar adds extra softness, but you can use all white sugar too.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for extra flavor.
🍽️ Fun Variations
Carrot Cake Muffins
Bake in muffin cups for 12–15 minutes.
Healthy Version
Use ½ whole-wheat flour and add raisins.
Extra Moist Version
Add 2 tablespoons applesauce.
Carrot Cake Bars
Bake thin in a rectangular pan and drizzle powdered-sugar glaze.
🎉 Easy Carrot Cake Recipe for Busy Days — Final Thoughts
This carrot cake is:
Simple
Fast
Super soft
Perfect for beginners
Easily customizable
Whether you bake it plain or frost it, this recipe will become a go-to favorite!