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Slice of homemade carrot cake loaf with cream cheese frosting

Carrot Cake Loaf

A warm, spiced, and tender carrot loaf with a moist crumb and rich flavors, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour Measured by spooning into the cup and leveling off.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs At room temperature.
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups grated carrots Freshly grated for moisture and flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts or raisins Optional.
For Frosting
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Full-fat, block-style for best texture.
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray. Line the pan with a strip of parchment if desired.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until glossy and well blended.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and then fold in the grated carrots and optional nuts or raisins.
Baking and Cooling
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  2. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
Frosting
  1. Beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating to a spreadable consistency.
  2. Frost the cooled loaf as desired.

Notes

For a lighter loaf, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature and avoid overmixing. Store the loaf in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.