Easy to Make Carrot Cake Recipe

Vanilla is a staple in my pantry. I use a form of vanilla every day in my kitchen in various recipes from the main dish to desserts along with everything in between. With that said, I’m picking about the type of vanilla that I use. I won’t use any immitations. I want the pure, premium, gourmet vanilla. Why? Because it makes a big difference in your recipes!!!

** Complimentary products received for review.

Recently I was introduced to The Sweetest Bean, a gourmet vanilla company based in Colorado. Their vanilla is sourced in Uganda where you can find some of the best vanilla in the world. Their partnership with locals helps the Uganda economy. That’s very important for one of the poorest, underdeveloped countries in the world. You can read The Sweetest Bean story HERE to learn more.

For this review I received 3 products from The Sweetest Bean. Over the next few weeks I’ll be using them in various recipes and posting those recipes on the TCC Blog. The Sweetest Bean vanilla products are handcrafted in small batches to ensure quality. A gourmet Ugandan vanilla bean is inside every bottle to ensure continued aging and flavor enhancement. Trust me, it makes a difference!

In today’s recipe I used Pure Vanilla Bean Powder from The Sweetest Bean. You use this gourmet vanilla bean powder just like the liquid extract. The conversion ratio is printed right on the package. For example, if your recipe calls for 1 tsp. of vanilla extract, you’ll use 1/2 tsp. of the Pure Vanilla Bean Powder.

Quick and Easy Carrot Cake Recipe

1 box classic yellow cake mix
4 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 cups carrots, finely grated
1 cup nuts, finely chopped (optional)
1/2 tsp. Pure Vanilla Bean Powder from The Sweetest Bean
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a large round cake pan or grease two 8″ round cake pans to make a double layer cake.

In a large mixing bowl combine together the cake mix, large eggs, vegetable oil, grated carrots, finely chopped nuts, Pure Vanilla Bean Powder and the ground cinnamon. Beat with an electric mixer at low-speed until well combined. Pour the carrot cake batter into your prepared pan(s).

Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 30-36 minutes or until the center of your cake(s) are done. Let them cool completely before frosting with your favorite frosting recipe. I personally like frosting the cake with a good homemade cream cheese frosting.

When shopping at The Sweetest Bean you’ll find Gourmet Pure Vanilla Extract,  Pure Vanilla Bean Powder and Gourmet Urgadan Whole Vanilla Beans! Look for our future posts on how we used the Vanilla Bean Powder and the whole Vanilla Beans. Check out the company on Instagram too!

Disclaimer: Shelly received a complimentary product as featured in this blog post. Shelly’s thoughts and words are 100% her own unbiased opinion on the company & products being featured today. The Two Classy Chics are not responsible for prize shipment or fulfillment. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the blog’s full disclosure policy.