Bunny’s Favorite Carrot Cake

By Kids Cooking Activities

• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Skill Level: Intermediate
• Kid Job: Measure, mix, and fold-ins
• Easter Favorite

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
Total Time: about 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12–16 servings

Ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 3 eggs
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups carrots, coarsely shredded
• 1 cup raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• Cream cheese frosting (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a cake pan (or a 13×9-inch pan). Optional: line bottom with parchment for easy release.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, baking soda, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, salt, sugar, and brown sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, milk, and vanilla.
4. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined (do not overmix).
5. Fold in shredded carrots, raisins, and pecans (if using).
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.

Kid-Friendly Ideas

• Kids can help measure spices and sugars, crack eggs (with help), and stir the batter.
• Let kids "fold in" the carrots and raisins- great for gentle mixing practice.
• Make it bunny-themed: pipe frosting "fur" with a star tip, add a coconut sprinkle "grass" border, or decorate with candy carrots.
• Turn into cupcakes for easy party serving (reduce bake time to about 18–22 minutes).

Notes

For best texture, squeeze excess moisture from carrots if they’re very wet. Cool fully before frosting or the frosting may melt. Store frosted cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Easy Variations

• Nut-free: Skip the pecans.
• Extra moist: Swap 1/4 cup of milk for crushed pineapple (drained) or add 1/2 cup crushed pineapple total (reduce milk slightly).
• Raisin swap: Use dried cranberries or chopped dates instead.
• Try a fun variation with this carrot cake smoothie recipe.