Looking for the perfect dessert this Easter? This carrot cake is perfect and differs from most in that it’s light, fluffy and kid-friendly—from the making to the eating! Not only can they help by harvesting and shredding the carrots, they’ll love to decorate this spring treat (bunnies, anyone?).
While this recipe calls for cream cheese frosting, a bit tangy for some youngsters, it would also be great with a creamy white/vanilla frosting, too.
Fluffiest Carrot Cake
2 cups self-rising flour
2 tsp cinnamon
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
4 eggs
2 cups sugar
3 cups freshly grated carrots
½ cup raisins (optional)
½ cup walnuts, finely chopped (optional)
pre-made fondant for decorations
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease or butter 9 x 13 or 2 8-inch round pans. In a large bowl, combine oil, eggs and sugar and beat well. In a separate bowl, combine flour and cinnamon and mix together until creamy smooth. Add dry ingredients to wet and blend well. Fold in grated carrots, followed by any optional items of your liking!
Pour batter into pan and bake for about 35-45 minutes or until knife inserted into center comes out clean. Serve with cream cheese frosting (even plain, this cake is so good).
Approximately 1 large or 2 8-inch cakes.
Cream Cheese Frosting
8 oz. cream cheese, refrigerated
2 TBSP unsalted butter, softened (at room temperature)
1 ½ – 2 cups powdered sugar (depending on how thick you like your frosting!)
1 tsp vanilla extract
dash of grated orange zest (optional)
Combine cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract and blend until smooth. Add sugar gradually, 1/2 cup at a time, beating until blended. Stop when you have reached your desired consistency. For stiffer frosting, use more sugar. For creamy frosting, use less. Stir in optional flavorings at end. Spread (or drizzle) frosting over cake and enjoy!
You can purchase packages of pre-made fondant at most major craft stores (Joann’s Fabrics, Michael’s…) and forming your figures is easy. We used a tube of green cake decorating color for the greens on our carrots—for a more feathery effect. Don’t forget the pre-made flowers and sprinkles—talk about EASY! You’ll have a stylin’ cake in no time!