Are you craving a moist, delicious carrot cake but short on time? This recipe uses a cake mix as a base, making it incredibly easy to whip up even on a busy weeknight. Don't let the "cake mix" part fool you; this carrot cake is bursting with flavor and texture, rivaling any from scratch version. It's the perfect quick dinner dessert or a delightful treat for any occasion. Get ready for the best shortcut to homemade happiness!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1 cup raisins or chopped dates (optional)
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
-
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This simple step ensures your cake will release easily.
-
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, water, and vanilla extract until well combined. This is where the magic begins!
-
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
-
Incorporate the Carrot Goodness: Gently fold in the shredded carrots, nuts (if using), and raisins or dates (if using). This helps retain the texture of the carrots and other mix-ins.
-
Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your cake towards the end of baking time.
-
Cool Completely: Let the cake cool completely in the pan before frosting. This is crucial for a clean, beautiful finish.
-
Make the Cream Cheese Frosting: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract.
-
Frost and Enjoy: Once the cake is completely cool, frost generously with the cream cheese frosting. Slice and serve!
Tips for Cake Mix Carrot Cake Success:
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh carrots for the best flavor and moisture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through.
- Cool Completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely prevents the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Spice it Up: Add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the batter for a more intense spice flavor.
- Coconut Cravings: Add 1 cup of shredded coconut to the batter for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Delight: Use a chocolate cake mix instead of spice cake mix for a decadent chocolate carrot cake.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 45-55g
This delicious cake mix carrot cake recipe is perfect for beginner bakers looking for easy recipes and experienced cooks seeking a quick and delicious dessert. Enjoy this healthy and homemade treat!