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carrot spice loaf with cream cheese frosting on a cooling rack

Carrot Spice Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting


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  • Author: ava salmon
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 slices

Description

This Carrot Spice Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist, warmly spiced quick bread crowned with tangy, fluffy frosting perfect for brunch, gifting, or cozy coffee breaks.


Ingredients

  •  1 3/4 cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  •  2 tsp ground cinnamon
  •  1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  •  1/8 tsp ground cloves (optional)
  •  1 tsp baking powder
  •  1/2 tsp baking soda
  •  1/2 tsp fine salt
  •  3/4 cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar
  •  1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar
  •  2 large eggs, room temperature
  •  3/4 cup (180 ml) neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
  •  1/3 cup (80 ml) milk or buttermilk
  •  2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  •  2 cups (220 g) finely grated carrots, lightly packed
  •  1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream Cheese Frosting:

  •  6 oz (170 g) cream cheese, softened
  •  4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, softened
  •  1 3/4 cups (200 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  •  1 tsp vanilla extract
  •  Pinch of fine salt
  •  1–2 tsp milk or fresh lemon juice, as needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment, leaving overhang for lifting. Lightly grease exposed sides.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. Add dry ingredients to wet; stir gently just until a few flour streaks remain.
  5. Fold in grated carrots and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed; do not overmix.
  6. Scrape batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and tap once to release large air bubbles.
  7. Bake 50–60 minutes, or until the top is domed and a skewer inserted near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool in the pan 15 minutes; lift loaf to a rack and cool completely (this prevents the frosting from melting).
  9. Make frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until creamy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; thin with milk or lemon juice to a spreadable, fluffy consistency.
  10. Spread frosting over the cooled loaf. Garnish with chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon if desired. Slice with a warm, thin knife for clean cuts.

Notes

  • Finely grate carrots for even moisture and a tender crumb.
  • Swap 1/2 cup flour with whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier note.
  • Add 1 tsp orange zest to batter or frosting for bright citrus aroma.
  • For dairy-free frosting, use plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter.
  • Loaf keeps 3–4 days refrigerated (covered). Unfrosted slices freeze up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slic
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg