The first thing you want to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your cake bakes evenly.
Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This protects the cake from sticking and makes removal a breeze later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, melted butter, and the large eggs. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until this mixture is smooth and creamy. The texture should be silky, and the aroma is delightful at this stage.
Next, gradually add the spiced carrot cake mix to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. This step helps ensure the cake bakes uniformly.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Don't open the oven door too often! It could mess with the baking process.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here; you want to make sure it’s cool before frosting.
While the cake cools, let’s whip up the frosting. In a separate bowl, beat together the confectioners' sugar, remaining cream cheese, and vanilla extract until fluffy. We’re aiming for that smooth consistency that beckons you to dive in!
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top. Don’t be shy; it’s frosting, after all!
Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve. Every bite should be a joyful experience, packed with flavor and texture.