Description
Indulgent Carrot Cake Loaf brings comfort and warmth to your kitchen, blending classic spices with moist, tender crumb. Sweet cream cheese frosting crowns this delightful treat, promising pure satisfaction with each delectable slice you savor.
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.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly 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.
- Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- 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: Breakfast, Snacks, 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