Description
Carrot cake loaf is packed with warm spices and finished with cream cheese frosting. Moist and full of flavor, it’s perfect with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and shredded carrots
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Frosting and Garnish:
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350F (180C) and lightly coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
- In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves using a whisk.
- Create a separate large bowl and blend the liquid components: oil, sugars, eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well integrated.
- Fold the grated carrots and raisins into the wet mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time to ensure uniform browning.
- Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting by whipping cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt until silky smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, generously spread the frosting over the top.
- Optionally garnish with chopped nuts and slice to serve.
Notes
- Grate carrots finely to ensure even moisture distribution throughout the loaf, preventing dry spots and creating a tender texture.
- Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to help them blend smoothly and create a more consistent batter.
- Toast chopped nuts before adding to the frosting or as a garnish to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake.
- Substitute vegetable oil with applesauce or mashed bananas for a lower-fat version that still maintains moisture and adds natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg