Carrot Cake: Quick & Easy 20-Minute Recipe 🥕🍰

I love delicious, moist carrot cake! I’ve tried many recipes in the past, with different ingredients and their best combinations. But this one is the best (I can personally swear for it!) and super easy to make. It will please your guests and make your heart sing.

Ingredients

Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 ¼ cups vegetable oil
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3 cups peeled, grated carrots (about 5 medium carrots)
• ¾ cup chopped pecans (optional but recommended!)

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prep Your Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9×9-inch baking dishes and line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. Make the Batter:
   • Whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil in a large mixing bowl until smooth.
   • Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, whisking until fully incorporated.
   • Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, one cup at a time, until just combined.
4. Add the Good Stuff: Gently mix in the grated carrots and chopped pecans (if using).
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 20–22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans before frosting.
6. Prepare the Frosting: While the cakes cool, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat until light and fluffy.
7. Assemble & Frost: Carefully remove the cooled cakes from their pans. Spread a generous layer of frosting on one cake, stack the second layer on top, and frost the entire cake. Sprinkle with crushed pecans for an extra touch of crunch.
8. Serve & Enjoy: Slice, serve, and bask in carrot cake bliss!

Final Thoughts

This 20-minute carrot snack cake is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. Its moist texture, warm spices, and creamy cinnamon frosting make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re whipping it up for a party, a family treat, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.

So grab your whisk, preheat that oven, and enjoy the simple joy of baking (and eating!) this delightful cake. Don’t forget to share a slice—or keep it all to yourself. We won’t judge! 😉🍰✨