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Moist and delicious simple carrot cake loaf bread with frosting

Simple Carrot Cake Loaf Bread

Warm, spiced, and impossibly tender, this carrot cake loaf is perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the loaf
  • 2 cups finely grated carrots Choose fresh, firm carrots and grate them finely for even distribution.
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour For denser, nuttier results use whole wheat pastry flour.
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cups brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 large eggs Use room-temperature eggs for better emulsification.
  • 0.5 cups neutral vegetable oil Choose canola or sunflower oil for a neutral flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cups chopped walnuts or pecans Optional add-in.
  • 0.5 cups raisins Optional add-in.
For the cream cheese frosting
  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • 0.25 cups unsalted butter
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, then stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined.
  5. Fold in the grated carrots and any optional nuts or raisins.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 50 to 65 minutes, testing with a toothpick in the center until it comes out clean.
  8. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting (optional)
  1. Beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla.
  2. Spread on the cooled loaf if desired.

Notes

For variations, nuts, raisins, and frosting are optional. You can also make muffins instead of a loaf.