Shortcut Carrot Cake
Whip up a delightfully moist and flavorful dessert in no time with this Shortcut Carrot Cake! Perfect for busy bakers, this easy recipe starts with a box of spice cake mix, which does most of the heavy lifting, while fresh shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, and optional chopped walnuts add homemade flair and irresistible texture. From its tender crumb to its creamy layer of decadent cream cheese frosting, this crowd-pleasing cake is ready in under an hour and ideal for any occasion, from birthday parties to Easter celebrations. With just a few pantry staples and minimal prep, this quick and simple carrot cake delivers classic flavors without the fuss—proof that shortcuts can still lead to sweet success!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 box box of spice cake mix
- 2 cups shredded carrots
- 3 eggs
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil
- 0.75 cups water
- 0.5 cups crushed pineapple (drained)
- 0.5 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 container cream cheese frosting
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or two 9-inch round cake pans.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Fold in the shredded carrots, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped walnuts (if using). Mix gently until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish or divide evenly between the two round cake pans.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan if using a 9x13-inch dish, or on a wire rack if using round pans.
Once cooled, spread cream cheese frosting evenly over the top (and between the layers if making a layer cake).
Slice and serve. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
186 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.5 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.4 g | 17% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 51 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 78 mg | 3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 9.9 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.7 g | ||
| Protein | 2.9 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 33 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 116 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
