If you love carrot cake but don't love the prep work, this Food Processor Carrot Cake Recipe is about to become your new favorite dessert. Instead of shredding carrots by hand or mixing multiple bowls of ingredients, your food processor does nearly all the heavy lifting. The result? A tender, moist, perfectly spiced carrot cake that comes together faster than traditional recipes — without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying carrot cake for the first time, this streamlined method makes the process simple, efficient, and incredibly satisfying.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Yield: One 9x13-inch cake (or two 8-inch round cakes)
Ingredients
For the Carrot Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar (or use half brown sugar for deeper flavor)
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2½ cups grated carrots
- Optional add-ins:
- ½–1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, well-drained
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan & Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Shred the Carrots
Add peeled carrots to your food processor and pulse until finely grated. Remove and set aside.
Tip: Avoid over-processing. You want shredded, not pureed, carrots for proper texture.
Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients
Add sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla to the food processor bowl. Pulse until smooth and well combined, about 10–15 seconds.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and any optional spices. Pulse just until combined — overmixing can make the cake dense.
Step 5: Add Carrots and Mix-ins
Remove the blade and fold in the grated carrots and optional walnuts, raisins, or pineapple using a spatula.
Tip: Hand-folding prevents excess batter breakdown and ensures even distribution.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Step 7: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt. Beat until creamy and spreadable.
Step 8: Frost and Serve
Spread frosting over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 395
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
- Sodium: 260mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 50g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 34g
- Protein: 4g
Values will vary based on ingredient variations and frosting thickness.
Pro Tip:
A high-quality food processor doesn’t just make this carrot cake easier — it transforms the entire baking experience. From effortlessly shredding carrots to creating a smooth, lump-free batter in seconds, the right machine saves time, reduces cleanup, and produces more consistent results. If you don’t already own a food processor (or if yours is ready for an upgrade), investing in a reliable model can elevate all your future recipes, not just this one. For a smoother, faster, and more enjoyable baking process, check out our recommended food processors and find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Click the button below to compare top-rated options on Amazon and choose the one that suits your needs.
Conclusion
This Food Processor Carrot Cake Recipe is proof that classic desserts don’t need complicated steps to taste extraordinary. With minimal prep, easy cleanup, and consistently delicious results, this recipe is perfect for busy bakers, celebrations, or anytime you’re craving a moist, spiced cake with rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you enjoy it plain, studded with nuts, or sweetened with pineapple, this carrot cake delivers warm comfort in every bite. Happy baking — and enjoy the simplicity your food processor brings to your kitchen!
