There’s short-cut cooking and then there’s this recipe. It what might possibly be the fasted and easiest carrot cake recipe ever, this tasty version of the classic cake is cooked and ready to eat in just eight minutes thanks to an ingenious microwave hack. 

While it’s short on time, it definitely doesn’t compromise on flavour. Like all classic carrot cakes, this version uses plenty of grated carrot, cinnamon, mixed spice and a dash of vanilla. The butter icing uses icing sugar, cream cheese, vanilla and butter to create a frosting that will have your grandkids, and your adult kids, fighting over who gets to lick the bowl.

It is a great afternoon tea treat and a perfect option for those who can’t be fussed cooking over a hot oven. 

Extra tip: If you prefer a darker and spicier carrot cake add some extra cinnamon and mixed spice. Store in an airtight container in the fridge to stop the cake from drying out.

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2 cups carrot finely grated
• 1 1/4 cups plain flour
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2 tsp mixed spice
• 1 tsp bi-carb soda
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tbsp vanilla
• 1 1/2 cups icing sugar sifted

Method

1. Mix eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla in a large bowl until combined.
2. Add in grated carrot, plain flour, cinnamon, mixed spice, bi-carb soda and mix until combined.
3. Spoon mixture into a microwave-proof cake tin and cover with a paper towel.
4. Cook the mixture in microwave for eight minutes. (Note: All microwaves are different so cooking time may vary slightly. The cake will be done when the top is evenly dry and cake close to the centre of pan springs back when touched.)
5. Remove cake tin from microwave and leave for 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove cake from tim and leave on a cooling rack. Meanwhile, make icing. Place cream cheese, butter and vanilla in a bowl.
7. Heat in microwave for 30 seconds so cream cheese and butter is slightly melted.
8. Add icing sugar to melted mixture and then mix until combined.
9. Add a little milk if the mixture is too thick for your liking or add some icing sugar if you think the mixture is too thin.
10. Once the cake has cooled, spread the icing mixture over the top with a butter knife and serve.