Carrot Cake Loaf

Craving a cozy, spiced treat? This Carrot Cake Loaf is the perfect balance of warm spices, tender shredded carrots, and crunchy nuts, all topped with a luscious cream cheese icing.

If you’re enjoying it with a morning coffee or as an afternoon indulgence, this loaf cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients List

Creating a perfectly moist Carrot Cake Loaf requires a well-balanced blend of ingredients. Let’s break them down into the loaf and the creamy topping.

Carrot Cake Loaf Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon cloves
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup applesauce
• 1 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients

• 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Required Kitchen Tools

When baking a Carrot Cake Loaf, having the right kitchen tools ensures a smooth and enjoyable baking experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Mixing Bowls – A large bowl for dry ingredients and a medium bowl for wet ingredients.
2. Hand or Stand Mixer – Essential for making the cream cheese icing extra smooth.
3. Whisk & Spatula – A whisk helps blend dry ingredients, while a spatula ensures even mixing.
4. 9×5-inch Loaf Pan – The ideal pan size for a perfectly baked loaf.
5. Cooling Rack – Allows proper air circulation to cool the cake evenly.

Having these tools on hand will make your baking process seamless and enjoyable!

Preparing the Batter

A well-mixed batter is the foundation of a moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Loaf. Follow these steps for the perfect texture and consistency.

Mixing the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients – In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • Flour
   • Baking powder
   • Baking soda
   • Salt
   • Cinnamon
   • Nutmeg
   • Cloves
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients – In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • Eggs
   • Vegetable oil
   • Vanilla extract
   • Brown sugar
   • Granulated sugar
   • Applesauce
4. Mix Wet & Dry Ingredients – Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.

Folding in the Carrots and Nuts

1. Gently fold in the shredded carrots and chopped pecans or walnuts using a spatula.
2. Mix until evenly distributed, but do not overmix—this keeps the loaf soft and moist.

Baking the Carrot Cake Loaf

Baking at the right temperature and time ensures a beautifully moist and evenly cooked cake. Follow these steps for the perfect bake.

Pouring and Baking

1. Transfer the Batter – Pour the prepared batter into the greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
2. Bake – Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven (350°F / 175°C) and bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
3. Cooling the Loaf – Let the cake cool in the pan for 30 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Cream Cheese Icing & Final Touches

A rich and creamy cream cheese icing takes this Carrot Cake Loaf to the next level. Follow these steps for a smooth and luscious topping.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Icing

1. Mix the Cream Cheese & Butter – In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese and butter on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Sweetness – Reduce speed to low and gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
3. Whip Until Fluffy – Increase to medium speed and beat for another 1-2 minutes, creating a light and spreadable texture.

Decorating the Cake

1. Frost the Loaf – Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top using a spatula.
2. Optional Garnishes – For added texture and flavor, sprinkle extra chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon over the frosting.

Storage Instructions

Keeping Your Carrot Cake Loaf Fresh

• Store the unfrosted cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• If frosted, refrigerate the loaf for up to 5 days, letting it sit at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Option

• For longer storage, wrap the unfrosted loaf in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.

Conclusion

This Carrot Cake Loaf is the perfect balance of warm spices, moist texture, and rich cream cheese icing.

No matter if you enjoy it as a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can bake this delicious loaf in no time.