Enjoy the comforting flavors of carrot cake with our Easy Carrot Cake Loaf recipe! This simple but delicious dessert is ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth without the fuss of making a full-sized cake. This carrot cake loaf is moist and tender, with just the right amount of sweetness and spice. It will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. This easy-to-make loaf is a must-try for carrot cake lovers everywhere, whether it’s served with your morning coffee or as a delicious dessert after dinner. Join us as we walk you through the steps to make this delicious dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
For the Carrot Cake Loaf:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Loaf Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Carrots and Nuts:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake the Loaf:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Loaf:
- Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and well combined.
- Frost the Loaf:
- Once the loaf has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the loaf.
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice the Easy Carrot Cake Loaf into thick slices and serve.
- Enjoy this delicious treat with a cup of tea or coffee, or share it with family and friends for a delightful dessert experience!
Our Easy Carrot Cake Loaf recipe allows you to enjoy the deliciousness of carrot cake in a simple and convenient format. This loaf is moist, flavorful, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, so it will please any palate. Whether served as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert after dinner, this Easy Carrot Cake Loaf is a versatile and irresistible choice for any occasion. So gather your ingredients and prepare to bake a batch of this delicious dessert that will leave everyone wanting more! 🥕🍰