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
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment, leaving overhang for lifting. Lightly grease exposed sides.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add dry ingredients to wet; stir gently just until a few flour streaks remain.
- Fold in grated carrots and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed; do not overmix.
- Scrape batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and tap once to release large air bubbles.
- 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.
- Cool in the pan 15 minutes; lift loaf to a rack and cool completely (this prevents the frosting from melting).
- 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.
- 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