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Perfect One-Bowl Carrot Cake Recipe with Easy Brown Butter Frosting

one-bowl carrot cake - featured image
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A quick and easy one-bowl carrot cake with a nutty, rich brown butter cream cheese frosting. Perfect for gatherings and busy bakers, this recipe delivers moist, flavorful cake with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed (100g)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (120ml)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 cups finely grated carrots (about 4 medium carrots)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (120g) (optional)
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (120g)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (115g) for browning
  • 8 oz cream cheese (225g), softened
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (360g), sifted
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Brown the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, swirling occasionally until golden brown and nutty smelling (4-5 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined.
  4. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix with an electric mixer or whisk vigorously until smooth and thick (3-4 minutes).
  5. Fold in grated carrots, chopped nuts, and drained pineapple gently with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  6. Add the cooled browned butter to the batter and fold gently to combine.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (at least 1 hour).
  9. For the frosting, beat softened cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Slowly mix in the cooled brown butter until spreadable.
  10. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Chill for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

Notes

Do not overmix once flour and carrots are added to keep the cake light. Let browned butter cool before adding to cream cheese frosting to avoid melting. Use a fine grater or food processor for carrots to ensure tender texture. If frosting is too soft, chill for 10-15 minutes before spreading.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, one-bowl cake, brown butter frosting, cream cheese frosting, easy carrot cake, quick dessert, moist carrot cake, nutty frosting

Find it online: https://milacook.com/perfect-one-bowl-carrot-cake-recipe-with-easy-brown-butter-frosting/