Craving a deliciously moist and flavorful cake? This Carrot Cake Loaf is a perfect balance of sweet, spiced goodness with a hint of cream cheese icing on top. It’s a delightful treat that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients List
Creating the perfect Carrot Cake Loaf requires a few key components to achieve that rich, flavorful cake. Here’s the breakdown of the ingredients:
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 1/4 cups shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools will make baking this Carrot Cake Loaf a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are the essential tools you’ll need:
- 9 x 5 Loaf Pan: This is the perfect size for baking the loaf and ensuring even cooking.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need separate bowls for dry and wet ingredients to easily combine them.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: A mixer is essential for achieving a smooth, well-blended batter for the icing.
- Toothpick or Cake Tester: To check the doneness of the cake, use a toothpick or cake tester to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.
- Cooling Rack: This will help the cake cool evenly, preventing it from becoming soggy.
With these ingredients and tools, you’ll be set to bake a perfect Carrot Cake Loaf.
Cake Preparation
Making a delicious Carrot Cake Loaf requires attention to detail in each step to ensure a moist, flavorful result. Follow these instructions to prepare the cake batter and bake it to perfection.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients
Start by adding all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to a large bowl. Stir well to combine these dry ingredients and evenly distribute the spices throughout. This is important to create an even flavor in the finished cake.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and applesauce. Whisk these together until smooth and well incorporated, ensuring the mixture is light and airy.
Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir gently, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
Folding in the Carrots and Nuts
Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped pecans or walnuts (if using). These ingredients add texture and flavor to the cake, so be sure to mix them evenly without overworking the batter.
Baking the Cake
Pour the prepared batter into the greased 9 x 5 loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven at 350°F for 40 minutes. The cake is done when the top is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes before removing it to cool completely on a wire rack.
Cream Cheese Icing Preparation
While your Carrot Cake Loaf cools, it’s time to make the luscious cream cheese icing that will take your cake to the next level. This icing is smooth, rich, and the perfect complement to the spiced cake.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Icing
In a stand mixer (or using a hand mixer), add the softened cream cheese and butter. Beat them together on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is important to get a silky texture for your icing.
Adding the Powdered Sugar and Vanilla
Once the cream cheese and butter are well-combined, reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until the icing is smooth and fluffy, ensuring no lumps of sugar remain. The icing should be thick but spreadable.
Frosting the Cake
Once your Carrot Cake Loaf has completely cooled, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese icing on top. You can use an offset spatula to smooth the icing evenly across the top and sides for a professional finish.
Serving and Decoration
Your Carrot Cake Loaf is now ready to be served and enjoyed! With the creamy, decadent icing and the sweet, spiced flavor of the loaf, it’s a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Here are some tips for serving and adding a little extra flair:
Suggested Toppings and Decorations
- Extra Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some additional chopped pecans or walnuts over the icing for an extra crunch and flavor boost.
- Shredded Coconut: For a tropical twist, lightly sprinkle some shredded coconut on top of the icing.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Dust a bit of cinnamon sugar over the top for an aromatic touch that complements the spices in the cake.
- Carrot Decorations: You can also get creative by decorating the top of the loaf with thin slices of fresh carrot, either arranged in a decorative pattern or placed as a simple garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Carrot Cake Loaf into generous slices and serve at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own, or you can pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage Instructions
How to Keep Carrot Cake Loaf Fresh
To keep your Carrot Cake Loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure the icing doesn’t get squished by placing a piece of parchment paper between the slices if storing in layers.
Freezing Carrot Cake Loaf
If you want to keep the cake longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or place it in the fridge overnight.
Carrot Cake Loaf
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 1 1/4 cups shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or butter and set it aside.
Prepare the dry ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp cloves. Stir well to combine.
Mix the wet ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup applesauce until smooth and fully combined.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add the carrots and nuts
- Gently fold in 1 1/4 cup shredded carrots and 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until the cake is golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Conclusion
This Carrot Cake Loaf, with its moist, spiced interior and rich cream cheese icing, is a timeless dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply enjoying a treat with family and friends, this cake is sure to impress.
With easy-to-follow instructions and some creative decoration ideas, you’ll be able to enjoy this delightful dessert at home.
Don’t forget, the key to a great Carrot Cake Loaf is in the details—bake with love, and you’ll have a masterpiece!
