Marie'S Carrot Cake

Prep: 10 min

Creamy, tangy carrot cake frosting with cream cheese and lemon, perfect for enhancing moist cakes and suited for celebrations or everyday treats.

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Ingredients

  • 3 oz. cream cheese
  • 1/2 c. butter
  • 3 c. powdered sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Cream the cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and lemon juice together until smooth.
  2. Spread the frosting on the cooled carrot cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother frosting, ensure your cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. If you're looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a tangy flavor. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. If you need to adjust sweetness, you can reduce the powdered sugar slightly without compromising texture.

Serving Suggestions

This frosting is perfect for slathering on a moist carrot cake, enhancing its rich flavors. Consider serving it alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a complete dessert experience, pair it with Raspberry Yogurt for a refreshing contrast, or consider a slice of Yugoslav Christmas Cookies for added festive flair.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature, then re-whip it for a smooth consistency. If the frosting becomes too thick, a small splash of milk can help restore its creaminess. The frosted cake can also be covered and stored in the fridge for up to three days.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Marie'S Carrot Cake contains roughly 344 calories, with 1g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 31g fat.

344 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.4g 3% DV
Total Fat 31.3g 40% DV
Carbs 14.8g 5% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 2.7g 5% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 70.5mg 3% DV
Potassium 258.3mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 93.4mg 31% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 11.3mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 7.7mg 9% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 22.2mg 2% DV
Iron 0.3mg 2% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this frosting a day or two in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Before using, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften, then re-whip to restore its texture.

What can I use instead of lemon juice?

If you don't have lemon juice, vinegar can be a good substitute. Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar will work, providing a similar acidity to balance the sweetness. Alternatively, you can use a splash of vanilla extract for a different flavor profile.

How do I make this frosting more colorful?

To add color to your frosting, consider mixing in a few drops of food coloring until you reach your desired hue. If you want a natural option, beet juice can create a lovely pink shade. Just be sure to mix thoroughly to distribute the color evenly.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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