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Foolproof One-Bowl Easter Carrot Cake Recipe for Moist Easy Baking

one-bowl carrot cake - featured image

A simple, moist, and flavorful carrot cake made in one bowl, perfect for Easter and spring gatherings. This easy recipe uses pantry staples and yields a tender, spiced cake with optional nuts and pineapple.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 grams) packed brown sugar
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) vegetable oil (canola or light olive oil as alternatives)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups grated carrots (about 45 medium carrots), peeled and finely shredded
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper if desired.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk gently to blend.
  3. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar with the dry ingredients.
  4. Make a well in the center and add the vegetable oil, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots. If using, fold in the crushed pineapple and chopped nuts.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking around 38 minutes with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool the cake completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes before frosting.

Notes

Use fresh grated carrots for best texture and moisture. Room temperature eggs mix better. Avoid overmixing to keep cake tender. Cool completely before frosting to prevent melting. Tent with foil if browning too fast. For dairy-free, use coconut oil and dairy-free cream cheese frosting. Gluten-free adaptation possible with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, one-bowl cake, Easter dessert, moist carrot cake, easy baking, spring dessert, spiced cake