Small Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

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There’s something about spring that makes carrot cake feel right at home. Maybe it’s the warm spice scent or that sweet tang of cream cheese frosting that cuts through each bite. This small carrot cake with cream cheese frosting brings all the joy of Easter desserts without the leftover overload. Simple ingredients, one pan, and a cozy, just-right size for sharing with family or a few friends.

Why You’ll Love This Small Carrot Cake

Perfect Size for Small Celebrations

Sometimes you don’t need a big layer cake. This petite version fits perfectly for a small Easter lunch or a quiet weekend treat. It bakes in a 7×5-inch dish and gives you just enough for 4 to 6 slices of moist, spiced goodness no waste, no fuss, just satisfaction.

Classic Flavor in a Simple, Scaled-Down Recipe

You get everything you love about carrot cake: cinnamon, allspice, tender carrots, and that signature cream cheese frosting. The recipe keeps things easy, using one bowl for dry ingredients and another for wet, so cleanup stays quick.

Ingredients You’ll Need and Why They Work

Key Dry Ingredients for a Soft, Tender Crumb

A base of ½ cup all-purpose flour gives the perfect texture not too dense, not too airy. Baking powder helps it rise evenly, while cinnamon and allspice bring cozy warmth. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness, keeping each bite flavorful.

The Wet Ingredients That Create Moisture and Structure

Sugar and oil make the cake soft and rich. One egg ties everything together, adding structure and lift. The grated carrots are the heart of this cake, giving it natural sweetness and a subtle earthy note that shines through. Each slice has about 522 calories when divided into four servings, making it an indulgent but reasonable treat.

Cream Cheese Frosting Essentials

The frosting is pure comfort 2 ounces of cream cheese, 4 tablespoons butter, a splash of vanilla, and powdered sugar mixed until light and fluffy. A small pinch of salt sharpens the flavor. Spread it over the cooled cake and chill for a few minutes to let it set beautifully.

How to Make a Small Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Prepare the Batter Step by Step

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 7×5-inch dish. In one bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. In another, mix sugar, oil, and egg until smooth. Slowly combine the two mixtures, folding in grated carrots until the batter looks even.

Baking and Cooling for Best Texture

Pour the batter into your dish and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick slides out clean. Let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for about 45 minutes. This step matters because frosting a warm cake can melt your topping.

Making the Smooth, Fluffy Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until creamy. Add powdered sugar gradually and whip until fluffy. Spread evenly over the cooled cake, and chill briefly before slicing. Each bite offers that rich frosting balanced with soft, spiced cake underneath.

Small carrot cake slice with cream cheese frosting and walnuts on white plate — A moist carrot cake slice topped with cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts, ready to serve.

Tips for the Best Results

How to Measure Carrots and Prevent Excess Moisture

Use freshly grated carrots and lightly pack them into your measuring cup. Avoid pre-shredded carrots they’re too dry and can make the cake dense. If your carrots are extra juicy, press them gently between paper towels.

Adjusting Spices and Flavor to Your Taste

You can reduce allspice for a milder flavor or add a pinch of nutmeg for a deeper spice blend. For a spring twist, a touch of orange zest pairs beautifully with the carrot’s sweetness.

Pan Size Options and Baking Time Notes

This recipe fits perfectly in a 7×5-inch baking dish, but a 6-inch round pan works just as well. If you use glass or ceramic, baking may take a few minutes longer, so check at the 25-minute mark.

Storage and Make-Ahead Guide

Storing Frosted vs. Unfrosted Carrot Cake

Once frosted, cover and refrigerate your cake. It stays fresh for up to four days. If you’re baking ahead, you can store the unfrosted cake at room temperature for a day, then frost before serving.

How Long It Keeps and Refrigeration Tips

Keep the frosted cake in the fridge in an airtight container. For best flavor, bring it to room temperature about 15 minutes before serving. The frosting will soften just enough to become creamy again.

FAQ

Do you have to keep carrot cake with cream cheese frosting in the fridge?

Yes, because of the cream cheese. Always refrigerate after frosting, but you can leave it at room temperature briefly before serving.

Is carrot cake a cake?

Absolutely! It’s a spice cake that uses grated carrots for moisture and flavor.

What does carrot cake mean?

It’s a dessert made with carrots, spices, and often a tangy frosting symbolic of cozy, home-baked comfort.

What kind of frosting do you use for carrot cake?

Cream cheese frosting is traditional. It’s rich, tangy, and pairs perfectly with the sweet, spiced crumb.

Recipe Notes and Additional Tips

Ingredient Adjustments and Substitutions

You can replace part of the flour with whole wheat for a nuttier taste. Swap vegetable oil for melted coconut oil if you like. And if you’re watching sugar, try a light sprinkle of powdered sugar instead of full frosting.

Texture, Flavor, and Serving Suggestions

Serve this cake slightly chilled for a firmer bite or at room temperature for a softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture. A dusting of cinnamon on top looks lovely. It pairs beautifully with coffee or a light afternoon tea.

More Such Recipes

Small carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and walnuts in white dish — Freshly frosted small carrot cake with cream cheese frosting and crunchy walnuts.

Conclusion

This small carrot cake with cream cheese frosting proves that big flavor doesn’t need a big batch. It’s perfect for Easter, spring brunches, or any time you crave that sweet spice aroma filling your kitchen. Share a slice, enjoy the balance of tang and warmth, and know you made something that feels like home.

For more seasonal ideas and baking inspiration, find me on Pinterest and Facebook.

Small Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting | Delicious

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