Sweet & Spiced Carrot Snack Cake Recipe for Cozy Baking

When you’re hunting for a wholesome carrot snack cake recipe that strikes the perfect balance between nutritious and delightful, this gem will become your new favorite.

Bursting with warm spices and natural sweetness, this cake delivers comforting flavors in every tender bite.

Carrots provide a subtle earthiness while keeping the texture incredibly moist and soft.

Packed with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this cake comes together effortlessly.

The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen with warmth.

Light, fluffy, and not overly sweet, this snack cake works beautifully as an afternoon treat or quick breakfast companion.

You’ll want to slice a piece and savor every delectable moment of this homemade goodness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 42 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 13

Carrot Snack Cake: Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a tender cake structure with soft, delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and become light and fluffy with perfect texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice that perfectly complements sweet carrots.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness in the cake.

• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create golden cake exterior.
• Dark Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and extra moisture to the cake.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures cake remains incredibly moist and soft for days.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings rich, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to cake's rich texture.

• Grated Carrots: Delivers natural sweetness and moisture while adding nutritional value.
• Chopped Pecans: Introduces delightful crunch and nutty depth to cake's texture.
• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy base for luxurious frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps frosting hold its creamy consistency.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens frosting for perfect spreading.
• Heavy Cream: Softens frosting and creates silky, spreadable texture.

Tools for Making a Carrot Snack Cake

• Mixing Bowls: Large and small bowls for combining ingredients and preparing batter.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sugar, eggs, and creating smooth mixtures.
• Grater: For shredding fresh carrots into fine pieces.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measuring of dry and wet ingredients.
• 9×9 Baking Dishes: Two dishes for even cake baking.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps easy cake removal.
• Electric Mixer: Helps create smooth, creamy frosting.
• Spatula: For folding ingredients and scraping bowl sides.
• Toothpick: Checks cake doneness by testing center.
• Knife: For chopping pecans and spreading frosting.

Bake Your Carrot Snack Cake Step-by-Step

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen with a toasty 350-degree environment and get baking dishes ready with a quick grease and parchment paper lining.

• Dry Ingredient Blend

Gather flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt into a cozy mixture waiting to become something delicious.

• Sugar Magic

Whisk granulated and dark brown sugars with vegetable oil until they dance together smoothly.

• Liquid Harmony

Splash in vanilla and eggs, blending until the mixture looks silky and irresistible.

• Flour Integration

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a soft, tender batter.

• Carrot and Nut Love

Stir in grated carrots and chopped pecans for texture and woodland flavor.

• Baking Transformation

Pour batter into prepared dishes and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, around 20-22 minutes.

• Creamy Topping

Whip cream cheese and butter into a dreamy, smooth base, then gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, and cream.

• Final Touch

Cool cakes completely, spread frosting generously, and sprinkle extra pecans for a delightful crunch.

Carrot Cake Variations & Pro Tips

• Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for extra texture and bursts of sweetness.
• Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds to match personal taste preferences or accommodate nut allergies.
• Substitute half the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce calories and add natural moisture.
• Experiment with additional warm spices like nutmeg or ginger to enhance the cake's complex flavor profile.
• Keep the frosted cake refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop and deepen.

Serving Suggestions for Carrot Snack Cake

• Party Platter Perfection: Create a stunning dessert spread by cutting the cake into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a decorative platter with fresh mint leaves and a dusting of cinnamon.
• Breakfast Companion: Pair a slice with a warm cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat that adds a touch of sweetness to your breakfast routine.
• Picnic Delight: Pack individual slices wrapped in parchment paper for an easy, portable dessert that travels well and brings a homemade touch to outdoor gatherings or lunch boxes.
• Gift from the Kitchen: Wrap a beautifully frosted cake in clear cellophane with a rustic ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends, neighbors, or family celebrations.

Storage Notes for Carrot Snack Cake

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep cake tightly wrapped in plastic film or aluminum foil in refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining optimal moisture and flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each piece separately in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe container for convenient 3-month storage.
• Frosting Fresh Factor: Store cream cheese frosting separately in sealed container within refrigerator, lasting 3-4 days, which prevents potential sogginess of cake layers.
• Room Temperature Tips: Allow cake to sit at ambient temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance taste and restore soft, tender texture after refrigeration.

Moist Carrot Snack Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Carrot snack cake delights with its moist texture and balanced spices. Nutmeg, cinnamon, and grated carrots create a classic dessert that welcomes home bakers to enjoy simple, comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ¼ cups (295 ml) vegetable oil
• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 3 cups (450 g) peeled carrots, grated (from about 5 medium carrots)
• ¾ cup (85 g) chopped pecans
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 g) dark brown sugar
• 2 tsps baking soda
• 2 tsps cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened
• 8 tbsps unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar
• 1 ½ tsps cinnamon
• 1 ½ tsps vanilla extract
• 2 tbsps heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and line two square baking pans with parchment paper, lightly greasing to prevent sticking.
2. Dry Mixture: Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl, sifting together to eliminate potential lumps and ensure even distribution.
3. Wet Foundation: Whisk granulated and brown sugars with vegetable oil until smooth, creating a glossy base that will provide moisture and sweetness to the cake.
4. Binding Elements: Add vanilla extract and eggs to the sugar mixture, blending thoroughly to create a uniform, silky texture that will help bind the ingredients.
5. Batter Integration: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing carefully to maintain a smooth, lump-free consistency while preventing overmixing.
6. Flavor Enhancers: Gently incorporate freshly grated carrots and chopped pecans, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter for balanced flavor and texture.
7. Baking Process: Pour batter evenly into prepared pans and bake for 20-22 minutes, testing doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean when inserted into the center.
8. Frosting Creation: Whip cream cheese and butter until supremely smooth, then gradually blend powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and heavy cream to create a velvety, spreadable frosting.
9. Final Assembly: Once cakes have cooled completely, generously spread frosting across the surface and optionally garnish with additional chopped pecans for added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Precise Ingredient Measurement: Use exactly room temperature ingredients for the smoothest, most consistent cake texture and optimal mixing.
• Grate Carrots Carefully: Freshly grate carrots and pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.
• Toothpick Testing Technique: Insert a toothpick into the cake’s center; if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Storage Secret: Refrigerate frosted cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to develop and maintain maximum moisture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg