Description
A cozy and comforting carrot cake loaf, perfect for any occasion, featuring warm spices and a citrusy cream cheese topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) neutral oil
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest and juice of 1 small lemon
- 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Whisk the brown sugar and eggs until glossy in a large bowl. Add the oil, Greek yogurt, vanilla, lemon zest, and lemon juice; mix until smooth.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet in two additions until just combined.
- Fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts or raisins.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, checking after 45 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean.
- Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and lemon juice until spreadable.
- Spread the topping over the top of the loaf once fully cooled.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap half the oil for mashed banana or applesauce. For gluten-free, use a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: carrot cake, loaf cake, baking, dessert, comfort food