Delicious Moist Carrot Cake Loaf Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

The Perfect Carrot Cake Loaf Recipe

Carrot cake is a classic dessert that is loved by many. The combination of shredded carrots, cinnamon, nutmeg, and optional nuts gives this cake incredible flavor and texture. While carrot cake is often made as a layered cake, a carrot cake loaf is just as delicious!

Carrot cake loaf has a dense, moist crumb that is bursting with warmth from the spices. The carrots add natural sweetness too. Loaf cakes are great because they are easy to make, transport for picnics or potlucks, and serve. A thick slice of carrot cake loaf with cream cheese frosting is utterly irresistible.

Read on to learn how to make a perfect carrot cake loaf from scratch. With a few simple ingredients, you can have this crowd-pleasing quick bread on your table in no time.

Ingredients Needed for Carrot Cake Loaf

Here is what you will need to make a deliciously moist and flavorful homemade carrot cake loaf:

• All-purpose flour: This provides structure and texture.
• Baking soda: Needed for the cake to rise.
• Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise with a light texture.
• Ground cinnamon: Provides warmth and sweetness.
• Salt: Enhances the other flavors.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth and aroma.
• Eggs and oil: Keeps the cake super moist.
• White sugar: Sweetens the cake.
• Light brown sugar: Adds extra moisture and caramel-like flavor.
• Shredded carrots: Provides natural sweetness and color.
• Optional walnuts or pecans: Gives crunch.

Steps to Make Perfectly Moist Carrot Cake Loaf

Follow these simple steps to make a picture-perfect carrot cake loaf at home:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and dust lightly with flour. This prevents sticking.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until blended. Then add the sugar, oil, and vanilla. Mix well until fully incorporated.
4. Add in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl. Stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the grated carrots and optional nuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.
8. Allow loaf to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Loaf

Follow these tips for carrot cake loaf success:

• Use freshly grated carrots rather than pre-shredded carrots from a bag. They have more flavor and moisture.
• If you want extra carrot flavor, replace some of the oil with freshly squeezed carrot juice.
• Walnuts or pecans complement the carrots beautifully, but you can leave them out too.
• Check loaf 10 minutes before minimum baking time to prevent overbaking.
• Be sure to let the loaf cool completely before slicing for clean cuts. Enjoy!

The Best Frosting for Carrot Cake Loaf

A delicious cream cheese frosting pairs perfectly with carrot cake loaf. Here is a simple recipe to try:

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄4 cup butter, softened
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
2. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, then the vanilla and salt.
3. Spread or pipe onto cooled carrot cake loaf.

For variety, you can add lemon zest, cinnamon, or nutmeg to the frosting. Get creative with your cream cheese frosting flavors!

Incredible Carrot Cake Loaf Variations

Once you master the classic version, try one of these delicious carrot cake loaf variations:

Glazed Carrot Cake Loaf

For a lighter finish, drizzle cooled carrot cake loaf with a simple glaze instead of frosting. Combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons milk, and 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle over loaf.

Carrot Apple Cake Loaf

Add 1 cup peeled and grated apple along with the carrots. Apple enhances moisture and adds a fruity twist.

Carrot Pineapple Loaf

Replace 1⁄2 cup carrot with 1⁄2 cup crushed pineapple, drained well. Pineapple lends extra sweetness.

Spiced Carrot Cake Loaf

Up the spices to 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon and 1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger for extra flavor.

Chocolate Chip Carrot Loaf

Fold in 1⁄2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate chunks before baking.

Tips for Storing and Freezing Carrot Cake Loaf

Here are some tips to store and freeze homemade carrot cake loaf:

• Store unfrosted loaf loosely wrapped at room temperature up to 4 days.
• Frosted loaf should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days.
• Wrap slices or whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap then foil to freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw frozen loaf slices at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving.

Enjoy Moist and Tender Carrot Cake Loaf

Now that you know how to bake the perfect carrot cake loaf, give this easy recipe a try! The carrots, spices, and optional nuts create such an irresistible flavor and texture. Top your homemade loaf with luscious cream cheese frosting or an elegant glaze.

Carrot cake loaf makes a great dessert for potlucks, bake sales, or just because. Share a slice with friends and family and enjoy the looks of delight on their faces. With proper storage, you can enjoy this delicious quick bread for days to come.

FAQs

Can I substitute anything for the eggs in this recipe?

Yes, the eggs can be replaced with egg substitutes like Ener-G or chia seeds mixed with water. You can also use a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon flax meal with 3 tablespoons water.

What kind of carrots work best for this carrot cake?

Freshly grated carrots work much better than pre-shredded carrots. The pre-shredded ones lose moisture over time. For best flavor, shred them yourself.

Can I make this carrot loaf cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free carrot cake loaf by using an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend instead of regular all-purpose flour.

Can I freeze slices of carrot cake loaf?

Absolutely! Let the baked loaf cool completely first, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temp before serving.

What is the best way to store a frosted carrot cake loaf?

Keep frosted carrot cake loaf refrigerated in an airtight container. Consume within 3 days for maximum freshness and to prevent sogginess.