Carrot Cake Loaf
This Carrot Cake Loaf is moist, spiced, and topped with luscious cream cheese frosting, everything you love about carrot cake in a simple loaf. Perfect for Easter, spring baking, or anytime you crave a cozy treat, this loaf is easy to make and even easier to love.
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- 9x5-inch loaf pan
- whisk
- parchment paper
- hand mixer or stand mixer for frosting
Ingredients
- For the loaf:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ginger
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots
- ½ cup crushed pineapple (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- For the cream cheese frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In a large bowl, whisk oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in grated carrots and crushed pineapple (if using).
- Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Stir in chopped nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the loaf cools, make the frosting by beating cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread frosting over the cooled loaf. Garnish with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Notes
Freshly grated carrots yield the best texture and moisture.
Let loaf cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Store frosted loaf in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Skip frosting and use a glaze or leave plain for a lighter option.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 2gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 3500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 70mgIron: 1.4mg