Ultimate Carrot Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting: A Cozy Bake for All Seasons

Dive into the comforting flavors of this Ultimate Carrot Cake Loaf, perfectly spiced and irresistibly moist. Topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting, this cake combines the earthy sweetness of carrots with rich, aromatic spices and a tangy frosting that melts in your mouth. It’s an ideal treat for both casual afternoons and festive gatherings, bringing a touch of warmth to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This: This carrot cake loaf stands out due to its perfectly balanced flavors and moist texture. The use of olive oil and Greek yogurt adds a delightful richness and ensures the cake remains moist even days after baking. The spices are measured to enhance without overpowering, and the frosting adds just the right touch of sweetness and creaminess. It’s a simple recipe with spectacular results, sure to become a go-to in your baking repertoire.

Perfect Occasion: This carrot cake loaf is versatile enough for almost any event. Serve it at brunches, as a dessert at dinner parties, or slice it up for a comforting snack with tea or coffee. It’s also perfect for holiday celebrations like Easter or Thanksgiving, where its warmly spiced flavor profile can shine.

Decoration Tips: For an elegant finish, pipe the cream cheese frosting on the loaf using a star tip, or simply spread it with a spatula for a rustic look. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), a dusting of cinnamon, or finely grated carrot for a pop of color. Edible flowers can also add a special touch if you’re serving this cake at a celebration.

Ingredients:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded carrots
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 2 tbsp softened butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Prepare for Baking:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, and brown sugar until smooth.
   • Stir in the vanilla extract and Greek yogurt.
   • Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
   • Fold in the shredded carrots.
4. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
   • Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
5. Prepare the Frosting:
   • Beat together the cream cheese, butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
6. Cool and Frost:
   • Allow the loaf to cool completely before frosting.
   • Spread or pipe the frosting over the top of the cooled loaf.

Enjoy your deliciously spiced and moist Carrot Cake Loaf, a treat that’s sure to delight any crowd with its homemade charm and decadent frosting!