This Carrot Cake Loaf is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake, offering a moist and fluffy texture with perfectly balanced spices. Topped with a silky cream cheese glaze, it’s an easy-to-make treat that brings comfort and nostalgia in every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1¾ cups finely grated carrots (from about 3 large or 4 medium carrots), room temperature
½ cup vegetable oil (canola or other neutral oil)
¾ cup (150 g) dark brown sugar, packed
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon allspice
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup full-fat sour cream, room temperature
¼ cup whole milk, room temperature

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
2 tablespoons cream cheese, very soft
3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the ends to extend over the sides for easy removal. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves, and salt.
Using a spatula or wooden spoon, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the sour cream and milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Gently fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top if necessary.
Bake on the center rack for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and let the loaf cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Use the parchment overhang to lift the cake out and place on a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by 2 tablespoons of milk. Continue mixing until the glaze reaches a thick but pourable consistency, adding more milk as needed.
Drizzle or pour the glaze over the cooled carrot cake loaf. Allow it to set at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg
Sodium: 250 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 28 g

The Tradition of Carrot Cake

Carrot cake has a long-standing history, dating back centuries, with its roots believed to be in medieval European cakes that included grated carrots. During the 18th century, it gained popularity due to the use of inexpensive ingredients, with carrots being a natural sweetener. Over time, the carrot cake evolved into the deliciously spiced treat we know today, often topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.

This Carrot Cake Loaf recipe brings all of the flavors of the classic dessert but in a more convenient, individual-sized loaf form. With its balanced flavors, moist texture, and generous drizzle of cream cheese glaze, this loaf is perfect for anyone who loves the comforting taste of carrot cake but prefers a lighter, easier-to-serve version.

Key Ingredients That Make This Carrot Cake Loaf Special

What makes this Carrot Cake Loaf so special is its combination of spices, rich moistness, and the addition of grated carrots. Let’s break down the essential ingredients:

Carrots: The foundation of any carrot cake, grated carrots add moisture and natural sweetness to the loaf. They’re a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, which contributes to healthy skin and vision.
Spices: The flavor of carrot cake comes from a harmonious blend of spices. This loaf features cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves, which add depth, warmth, and complexity to the flavor profile. These spices evoke a cozy, comforting aroma as the cake bakes, filling your kitchen with irresistible scents.
Sour Cream and Milk: These ingredients contribute to the rich, tender texture of the loaf. The sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the cake. The milk also helps keep the loaf light and fluffy.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: The combination of both sugars provides a perfect balance of sweetness while adding depth to the flavor. The brown sugar contributes a slight molasses flavor, which enhances the spices.
Cream Cheese Glaze: The addition of a silky cream cheese glaze on top of the cake makes it even more indulgent. The tangy flavor of the cream cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of the loaf, providing a smooth and rich finish.

How to Make a Perfect Carrot Cake Loaf

Making a Carrot Cake Loaf is simple and straightforward, with just a few key steps to ensure a perfect result. The first step is to mix the dry ingredients together, including the spices, flour, baking powder, and baking soda. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter and the cake will rise properly.

The wet ingredients are mixed separately, combining sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and oil, which provide moisture and richness to the loaf. After mixing the dry and wet ingredients together, the grated carrots are folded into the batter, ensuring they are evenly incorporated. One key tip is to not overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense loaf.

Once the loaf is in the oven, it will take about an hour to bake. The cake should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean with a few moist crumbs. It’s important to let the loaf cool completely before glazing, as the cream cheese glaze will melt if applied to a warm cake.

Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Loaf

There are several reasons why this Carrot Cake Loaf is bound to become a new favorite in your household:

Moist and Fluffy: Thanks to the sour cream and oil, this carrot cake loaf remains incredibly moist and tender, with a delicate crumb.
Full of Flavor: The spices used in this recipe—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice—give the loaf a wonderfully warm and aromatic flavor, making it a perfect comfort food.
Convenient: Unlike traditional layered cakes, this loaf is easy to make and perfect for serving at family gatherings, brunches, or even as a snack. It also stores well, making it great for meal prepping.
Versatile: You can enjoy this carrot cake loaf as is, or you can add your favorite mix-ins, such as walnuts or raisins, to give it an extra bit of texture and flavor.
Simple to Make: With a minimal number of ingredients and a straightforward process, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Loaf

This Carrot Cake Loaf is a versatile dessert that can be served in several ways to suit your occasion:

With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: Slice the loaf into thick pieces and enjoy it with a warm cup of tea or coffee. The sweetness of the cake and the tang of the cream cheese glaze pair perfectly with your favorite hot beverage.
As a Special Brunch Item: This carrot cake loaf is an excellent addition to any brunch spread. Its festive appearance and delicious flavor make it a great way to treat your guests to something homemade and comforting.
With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve a slice of the carrot cake loaf with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream or whipped cream complements the richness of the cake and glaze.
As a Snack or Breakfast Option: Slice the loaf into smaller pieces for a quick snack or breakfast. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of milk or a fresh fruit smoothie.

Conclusion: A Family Favorite That’s Here to Stay

This Carrot Cake Loaf offers a modern take on a classic dessert, making it an accessible and delicious treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion, a holiday, or just because, this moist and flavorful loaf is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Its combination of warm spices, fresh carrots, and creamy glaze makes it a comforting and nostalgic dessert that brings families and friends together. Plus, it’s so easy to make that it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, this carrot cake loaf will bring joy to your table and keep your taste buds delighted.

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