This is a simple 9x13 carrot cake that is a long time favorite of the family. It is a staple at carry-ins and is perfect for Easter. Of course it has a cream cheese frosting or can be jazzed up with a little maple cream cheese frosting if you'd like!
I was thinking about how to tell you about my relationship to Linda. I thought I would tell you that my aunt Donna has been dating Linda's brother, Russell, for probably at least 12 years.
Then I realized, I have been out of high school for almost (GULP!) 17 years.... and I have known Russell since middle school (there was a whole pass me the sugar incident that still gives me nightmares... am I right Sarah?!)
So, lets reverse the numbers and say that they have probably been together for closer to 23 years! That is a long time!Yikes!
So anyway, Linda is practically my aunt Donna's sister-in-law. She is famous for making this homemade cake and bringing it to the South Side Improvement Association dinners in Belleville. When I lived in her area, she was always nice enough to invite me over for dinner and when I was lucky she made it for me as well.
My sister Kristie went to college not too far from her. We went to her house for dinner the night before she moved in her freshman year. Linda made her a carrot cake and Kristie requested another for her birthday cake!!
Of course, I think the frosting makes the cake. So, this is no different. A good carrot cake needs a good cream cheese frosting. Linda included a simple and classic version that would be great on any cake. I also love this cake with my Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. Yep, it's as good as it sounds!
Don't let the thought of making a cake from scratch scare you off. This is a great one that comes together in a bowl with no fancy methods. It is quick and painless, I promise. In fact until recently I didn't make many cakes, and when I did it was from a mix. Of course that has changed over the last few years. Now I really enjoy getting out a bowl and spoon and go to work making a cake!
And what isn't made better with a little cream cheese frosting?!
If you'd like to see more recipes from Linda, you may like her crispy and buttery caramel corn or her grandma's raw apple cake.

Linda's Famous Carrot Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 lb carrots, finely grated
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 3 T butter
- 1 lb. powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
1.Grease a 9x13 pan and preheat your oven to 350 F2.Mix all dry ingredients and sift well.3.Beat eggs, vanilla and oil together, add dry ingredients and mix well.4. Stir in carrots and pour into prepared 9x13 pan.5. Bake at 350 F for about 1 hour to an hour and 15 minutes or until browned and springy when touched. Let cool before icing.For the frosting:
Cream together butter and cream cheese
Add remaining ingredients and mix well, until smooth and creamy.
Frost cooled cake.
Cream together butter and cream cheese
Add remaining ingredients and mix well, until smooth and creamy.
Frost cooled cake.
Details
Prep time: Cook time: Total time: Yield: 12 pieces
I've never tried carrot cake. I've always wanted to, but I haven't because I thought the recipe was too complicated. Now I see that it isn't. And I like cream cheese, so I'll give this recipe a try. It sure does look delicious and moist!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing at Inspire Me Mondays!
It really wasn't too hard and sooo good!
DeleteI totally agree, the frosting makes the cake! My husbands favorite cake is carrot cake, and this looks delicious! Pinning!
ReplyDeleteThank you! We really enjoy this version!
DeleteYum! Sounds like a great cake and how fun to hear the story!
ReplyDeleteMollie
Thank you!
DeleteYum! The hubby's family LOVES carrot cake, I might have to make them this version sometime! πAnd cream cheese frosting is one of my favorites, it just seems like it was made for carrot cake!
ReplyDeleteCream cheese frosting and carrot cake are definitely made to go together! I hope they love this recipe!
DeleteIsn't it amazing how fast time flies by? Boggles my mind.....and this carrot cake blows my mind...so very delicious looking.
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely boggling. Thanks, Wendy!
DeleteCarrot cakes are easily one of my favorites but I've never thought to put maple in the frosting. I know that has to be epic beyond my wildest dreams because hi, maple, I adore you :). This cake looks positively divine!
ReplyDeleteMaple and I have a little thing going too. The warm maple flavor really goes well with the carrot cake. Thank you so much, Kelsie!
DeleteThis looks so delicious! I love carrot cake and make it from time to time all spring and summer.
ReplyDeleteThanks Val!
DeleteYes, time, where do you keep going?! I was thinking back to the last time I dyed my hair and was thinking about doing it again. When I realized how long ago 2005 was I wanted to cry just a little bit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the carrot cake, it looks lovely.
Isn't it ridiculous? It only seems to get worse too! Thanks, Lauren!
DeleteYou can't beat a good carrot cake. I'll also have to check out the maple cream cheese frosting you linked to.... I can't resist anything maple!
ReplyDeleteI love maple too and the maple cream cheese is the perfect topper for the carrot cake! Thank you!
DeleteI love carrot cake and must try this!
ReplyDeleteI hope you love it, thanks!
DeleteI think frosting makes a cake too! This cake looks delicious!
ReplyDeleteThat's what it's all about! Thanks, Ellen!
DeleteLove carrot cake and recipe that have meaning. Thanks for sharing on Funtastic Friday!
ReplyDeleteMe too! Thanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteI love carrot cake, but have never made one. What's up with that? I wonder what husband will think of it? I probably shouldn't tell him what it is until he tastes it!
ReplyDeleteHa! Probably π it's delicious so he's sure to love it even if he doesn't want to!
DeleteI am not a big cake fan except for carrot cake. I think it is the spices and how moist it is and of course the cream cheese frosting. Love the new logo.
ReplyDeleteThanks,Quinn. A little cream cheese frosting never hurt a thing π
DeleteYum! Carrot cake is my favorite. Thanks for sharing your yummy recipe. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is one of my favorites too, thank you!
Delete