Easy Carrot Snack Cake

Easy Carrot Snack Cake with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

This delightful Carrot Snack Cake combines the warm, spiced flavors of cinnamon and carrot with a lusciously creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. It’s a straightforward recipe that yields a wonderfully moist and flavorful cake, perfect for any occasion or simply as a delicious treat to enjoy any day.

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups peeled carrots, grated (from about 5 medium carrots)
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

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

Directions

1. Prepare the Oven and Pans:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°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, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Combine Sugars and Wet Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined.
   • Add vanilla extract and eggs, whisking until the mixture is smooth.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, adding about a cup at a time, until just combined.
5. Add Carrots and Nuts:
   • Stir in the grated carrots and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Cake:
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared baking dishes.
   • Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Make the Frosting:
   • While the cakes cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
   • Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, followed by the cinnamon, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
8. Frost and Finish:
   • Once the cakes have completely cooled, frost them with the cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
   • Optionally, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 450 per serving
• Servings: 12

Cooking Tips

• Carrot Preparation: For the best texture, grate the carrots finely. This distributes them evenly throughout the cake, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
• Frosting Thickness: Adjust the thickness of your frosting by adding more or less powdered sugar. If it’s too thick, a little more heavy cream can help smooth it out.

This Easy Carrot Snack Cake is not only a joy to make but also a treat to eat. The combination of rich, moist cake and tangy, sweet frosting makes it a perfect choice for gatherings or a comforting snack at home. Enjoy baking and indulging in your delicious creation!

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