Cream Cheese Frosted Carrot Cake Loaf

This Cream Cheese Frosted Carrot Cake Loaf is made-from-scratch deliciousness. It's what happens when carrot cake and sweet breads collide. Just like quick breads, loaf cakes are terrific for smaller group events such as brunch, coffee or tea parties with friends The classic sweet cream cheese frosting adds just the right touch.

Does Carrot Cake Have A Season?

Carrot cake seems to make its appearance most often around Easter. I love that it's associated with Spring but, it's way too delicious to be limited to only that time of year. My Mom's recipe for carrot cake is the best and I paid homage to her recipe in my cookbook. If you're a fan of sweet breads, this cake could be left unfrosted similar to banana bread, and enjoyed that way alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You may also choose to frost the entire loaf, and that works as well.

Ways To Personalize Cream Cheese Frosted Carrot Cake Loaf

• If you're baking for someone who isn't very fond of raisins or walnuts you can leave them out without any other adjustments needed. I enjoy the chewiness the raisins add to the batter along with the shredded coconut and toasted walnuts.
• You could also substitute pecans for the walnuts, if desired.
• This cake is also suitable to make in advance and it freezes like a dream. If you choose that route, wait to frost the carrot cake loaf after thawing and just before serving.
• This is the kind of cake that satisfies your sweet tooth with ingredients that are likely already stashed in your pantry. You may also en joy these Carrot Cake Muffins from Chocolate, Chocolate and more or these Carrot Cake Cookie Bars from QVC's David Venable.

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Cream Cheese Frosted Carrot Cake Loaf

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time1 hr 5 mins

Cooling Time4 hrs

Total Time1 hr 25 mins

Course: Bread, Breakfast, brunch, Cakes, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cream-cheese-frosted-carrot-cake-loaf

Servings: 10 slices

Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

• 2 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light brown sugar
• 2 ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice [See Cook's note]
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter melted
• 1 cup whole buttermilk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup finely grated carrot
• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• ½ cup toasted walnuts
• ½ cup white raisins [optional]
• Frosting:
• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a 9 x 4 x 5-inch loaf pan or spray with baking spray. Set aside. Sift together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs and vanilla. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients by hand until fully combined.
• Add the shredded carrots, coconut, walnuts and raisins. Mix well.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes back clean. Cool completely on a cooling rack.
• To frost, beat together the cream cheese, powdered sugar and cream. Spread on top. Sprinkle with ground cinnamon, if desired. Slice and serve. Store chilled and bring to room temperature for serving.

Notes

1) You may substitute 2 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp ground ginger. ¼ tsp nutmeg and ⅛ tsp ground clove or Allspice for the pumpkin pie spice. Adjust to your taste.
2) If making to freeze leave off the frosting and wrap tightly in freezer safe wrap. Frost after thawing and just before serving.

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