Easy Orange Carrot Cake

Brighten your day with this Easy Orange Carrot Cake, a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the zesty freshness of orange. This beginner-friendly recipe features a harmonious blend of classic ingredients like cinnamon, fresh orange juice, and orange zest, creating a vibrant twist on the traditional carrot cake. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or optionally frosted with cream cheese frosting, this cake is perfect for any occasion—from casual family gatherings to special celebrations. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a simple one-bowl mixing method, this crowd-pleasing treat is as easy to make as it is delicious. Plus, optional chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch if you’re looking to elevate the texture. With a bake time of 40 minutes, this citrus-infused classic will quickly become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 4 pieces large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 0.5 cups fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoons orange zest
• 3 cups grated carrots
• 0.5 cups chopped walnuts (optional)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Beat until well blended.

Step 4

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5

Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts, if using, until evenly distributed.

Step 6

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and spread evenly.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 8

Allow the cake to cool in the pan(s) for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9

Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a simple garnish, or optionally frost with cream cheese frosting.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1534.8 grams (1534.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4774

Total Fat 272.20g	349%
Saturated Fat 40.30g	201%
Polyunsaturated Fat 134.40g
Cholesterol 744mg	248%
Sodium 3243mg	141%
Total Carbohydrate 560.70g	204%
Dietary Fiber 26.00g	93%
Total Sugars 344.70g
Protein 64.10g	128%

Vitamin D 160IU	800%
Calcium 362mg	28%
Iron 21mg	116%
Potassium 1854mg	39%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.5%

Protein: 5.2%

Carbs: 45.3%