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Easiest Soft Carrot Cake

This soft and moist carrot cake, made with simple pantry staples, is the perfect easy treat that everyone loves. Perfectly balanced moisture and flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 28 minutes
Total Time 43 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
  • 4 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup neutral oil e.g. canola or sunflower
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups finely grated carrots peeled
Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
  • 4 tablespoons butter softened
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt

Method
 

Prepare the Batter
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your desired baking pan.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients and whisk until well mixed.
  3. Add the eggs, oil, vanilla, and grated carrots to the bowl and whisk until the batter is smooth.
Bake the Cake
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven; for a 9x13 pan, bake 24-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting and Assemble
  1. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, mixing until well combined.
  3. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting over the cake.

Notes

For variations, feel free to add mix-ins like nuts, shredded coconut, raisins, or chocolate chips. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.