Baking doesnโt have toโbe hard โ not when it comes to an easy carrot cake recipe that gets all the flavor of grandmaโs kitchen with a fraction of the work. Youโll never be wondering how to make carrot cake again (or searching for the best carrot cake recipe) after you try this no-fail recipe.True say, however way to your heart is going to be through the moist and perfect slice of carrot cake that youโll make after reading the guideโbelow.
Get the recipe for our moist and traditional one here ifโyou are a fan of richer spiced layers.
Why This Simple CarrotโCake Recipe Is the Best
No Mixer Required, NoโFuss โ Just Good for You Ingredients
Forget the fancy gear. Only twoโbowls and a whisk. We rely on pantry staplesโโ nothing exotic or expensive.

Not Too Dry, Not TooโSpicy
This recipe gets all threeโright: juicy carrots, warm spices and a light crumb. Optional pineapple and applesauce โ those are alwaysโgoing to be your friends.
Ingredients That MakeโIt Easy (and Impressive)
Core Ingredients List
- Grated carrots
- Brown sugar for depth
- Vegetable oil, or melted coconutโoil
- Cinnamon, nutmegโand ginger for heat
Healthy Swaps and Add-Ins
Need a healthierโcarrot cake recipe? Try:
- 50% applesauceโto replace oil.
- Whole wheat flourโfor all-purpose flour
- Unrefined sugar substitutes like mapleโsyrup or coconut sugar
Quick and Easy CarrotโCake Recipe Instructions:
Prepping the Ingredients
Grate your own carrots (do not useโstore-bought pre-shredded), and get all your ingredients measured out before mixing.
Mixing & Baking
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fโ(175 degrees C). Grease a loaf pan or 9-inchโround pan.
- Combine dry ingredientsโfor one bowl.
- In another, beatโtogether sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla.
- Fold in the grated carrots and nuts or raisins, if youโreโusing them.
- Combine dry and wet gently.
- Bake for 35โ40 minutes. Cool completely.
If youโd like to sex it up a bit, try thisโclassic with cream cheese frosting.
For Any Diet, These Are theโFrosting Options
Classic Cream Cheese Frosting
Use:
- 1 Cream Cheeseโ(Softened)
- ยฝ cup butter
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1ยฝโ2 cups powdered sugar
Dairy-Free or Low Sugar Frosting Ideas
- Whipped coconut cream with honey
- Greek yogurt sweetened with maple syrup

Traditional Carrot Cake vs Easy Version
What Makes This Version โEasyโ?
- One bowl prep
- No electric tools
- Simple ingredients
Still Traditional at Heart
Even simplified, it includes cinnamon, carrots, and that rich, golden color. Itโs grandma-approved without the extra steps.
How to Make Healthier Easy Carrot Cake Recipe: Tips
Sugar and fat reduction without taste loss
- brown sugar, applesauce
- mashed bananas or Greek yogurt
Fiber and nutrients boost
- chia seeds, flaxmeal, shredded zucchini
- oat flour in place of 1/3 flour
Check out our blog archive for other healthier dessert ideas such as our Raspberry Cinnamon Rolls.
What notโto do when baking carrot cake
Overmixing the Batter
Too much flour developed will makeโthe dough tough. Fold gently.
When You Aren't Sure of a Carrot'sโSize
Too little and itโs dry. Too much and it wonโt rise. Use 2 cups loosely packed.
Omitting Oil orโReplacing With Butter
Butter adds richness butโdries it out. Even so, stick to oil or a pureeโof fruit.
Easy Carrot Cake โ Tips andโTricks: How to store and serve Easy Carrot Cake
Storage Best Practices
- Room Temp: 2โ3 days in airtight container
- Fridge: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Slice and freeze individually for 1 month

Reheating for Moistness
Wrap in foil and heat at 300ยฐF for 8 mins OR microwave with a damp paper towel.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Best Ways to Serve
- Serve with hot tea orโdark roast coffee
- Cool butโnot cold or at room temperature
Garnishing Ideas
Serve and garnish with a dusting of crushed walnuts, sprinkleโof cinnamon or curls from orange zest.
Looking for inspiration? Check out the super-moistโcarrot cake below, its filled with just the right amount of spice.
FAQs
What makes carrot cake easy?
Minimal steps, no mixerโrequired, and pantry staples.
Is there any way to make thisโcarrot cake healthier?
Yes โโuse applesauce, coconut sugar and whole wheat flour.
What is the bestโflour for carrot cake?
Reach forโall-purpose, or white whole wheat. Avoid almond flour alone.
CanโI omit eggs in this recipe?
Yes โ 1 tbsp Flax + 3 tbspโwater per egg.
Wouldโcarrot cake be better warm or cold?
It likes room temp, too, but the rest of the worldโis delicious all the same.
How long doesโeasy carrot cake keep?
Refrigerateโfor up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Conclusion
Simple doesnโt mean boring, and this easy carrot cake is livingโproof. It is the sort of cake you willโturn to, very gladly, again and again.โ Plain, frosted, healthy, indulgent โ you can neverโgo wrong with donuts.
Find delicious recipes such as Garlic Butter Chicken for a tastyโdish to pair with this yummy treat.
Print
Easy Carrot Cake Recipe: Moist, Simple & No Mixer Needed
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist, warmly spiced carrot cake that requires no mixer and uses simple pantry staples. Perfect for a quick dessert fix or a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups grated carrots (about 5-6 medium carrots)
- Optional: 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (replace part of the oil)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: 1/2 cup raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Grease a 9-inch round or loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In another bowl, beat together brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
- Fold in grated carrots, and if using, applesauce, nuts, and raisins.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 35โ40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Optional: Frost with cream cheese frosting once cooled.
Notes
For a healthier version, substitute half the oil with unsweetened applesauce and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. Store the cake at room temperature for 2โ3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze slices for up to 1 month. Serve at room temperature for best flavor. Garnish with crushed walnuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or orange zest curls.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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