Description
A soft and tender single layer carrot cake packed with freshly grated carrots, warm cinnamon, and optional crunchy walnuts, topped with silky cream cheese frosting. This easy homemade dessert is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9 inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the finely grated carrots and chopped walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing.
- Beat cream cheese and unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined and fluffy.
- Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
- Slice and serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture and texture.
- Make sure cream cheese and butter are fully softened to avoid lumpy frosting.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: super moist carrot cake, one layer carrot cake, easy carrot cake, homemade carrot cake, cream cheese frosting cake