simple carrot cake recipe uk mary berry

Simple Carrot Cake Recipe UK: Mary Berry's Easy Classic

By Melissa ThomasMarch 2, 2026

Indulge in a touch of nostalgia with this classic, yet simple carrot cake recipe, inspired by the legendary Mary Berry. This delightful British twist on a timeless favourite is perfect for afternoon tea or a family gathering. Let's dive into Mary Berry's signature carrot cake, a beloved staple in the UK.

Mary Berry's carrot cake is renowned for its moist texture, thanks to the grated carrots and a blend of warm spices. The cream cheese frosting adds a tangy contrast, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavours. So, let's roll up our sleeves and create this iconic cake at home.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you start, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. This recipe serves 12-16 people and requires minimal effort.

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Here's what you'll need:

200g (7oz) self-raising flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
200g (7oz) light muscovado sugar
3 medium eggs
200ml (7fl oz) vegetable oil
200g (7oz) grated carrots
100g (3.5oz) chopped walnuts (optional)

Preparing the Cake Tin

Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or Gas Mark 4. Grease and line a 20cm (8in) round cake tin with baking parchment.

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Now, let's move on to creating the perfect carrot cake batter.

Mixing the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. Make a well in the centre and add the eggs and vegetable oil. Whisk until smooth.

Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using) until well combined. The batter should have a soft, dropping consistency.

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Baking the Cake

Pour the cake batter into your prepared tin and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 5 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat together 150g (5.3oz) softened butter and 300g (10.5oz) full-fat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually sift in 250g (9oz) icing sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing.

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Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting over the top and sides. If desired, decorate with piped rosettes or swirls of frosting and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts.

Mary Berry's simple carrot cake recipe is a testament to her belief in letting ingredients shine. This cake is not only delicious but also a delightful way to incorporate more vegetables into your baking. So, why not give it a try and enjoy a slice of nostalgia with every bite?