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Cozy Small Batch Carrot Cake for Two Easy Homemade Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

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A moist and tender small batch carrot cake perfect for two, topped with a smooth and tangy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for cozy evenings without leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil (canola or sunflower recommended)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (30g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  • For the cream cheese frosting:
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch round or square baking pan or two small ramekins, and line with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Finely grate 1 cup of carrots using a box grater or food processor. Set aside.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
  5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl and gently fold with a spatula just until combined; do not overmix.
  6. Fold in the grated carrots and optional chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
  7. Transfer batter into the prepared pan(s), smoothing the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes for the 8-inch pan or 18-22 minutes for ramekins. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
  9. Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack for 30-40 minutes before frosting.
  10. To make the frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well, then stir in vanilla extract and optional lemon juice.
  11. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake and optionally sprinkle with extra chopped nuts.

Notes

If batter is too wet, add 1-2 tablespoons more flour. Avoid overmixing to keep cake tender. Sift powdered sugar into frosting for smooth texture. Cool cake completely before frosting to prevent melting. Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, small batch, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, cozy recipe, carrot cake for two, homemade carrot cake

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/cozy-small-batch-carrot-cake-for-two-easy-homemade-recipe-with-cream-cheese-frosting/