A Cake in a Loaf Pan
I love a good carrot cake. But baking a whole layer cake can be a big job. So I put all that wonderful flavor into a simple loaf. It is so much easier. You get a slice of cozy spice in every bite.
This matters because good food should bring joy, not stress. A loaf cake feels friendly and simple. It is perfect for an afternoon treat. Do you have a favorite cake that you wish was easier to make? I would love to hear about it.
The Secret to Happy Carrots
Let me tell you a little trick. Before you add the shredded carrots to the batter, toss them with a bit of the flour mixture. This little step stops them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf. They stay spread out perfectly.
I learned this from my friend Betty. Her cakes always looked so even. I tried her trick, and it worked like a charm. I still laugh at how happy I was. It is a small thing that makes a big difference in your baking.
Mixing with a Gentle Hand
When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, just stir until they are combined. A few small lumps are just fine. If you mix too much, the loaf can become tough. We want it to be soft and tender.
This matters because baking is a little like a science. Gentle mixing keeps the texture perfect. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it’s in the oven? That is the cinnamon and nutmeg saying hello. What is your favorite baking smell? Mine will always be cinnamon.
The Wonderful Drizzle
No carrot cake is complete without cream cheese. Our glaze is a simple one. You just mix a few things and warm it up. Then you pour that creamy goodness over the cool loaf. It makes everything extra special.
*Fun fact: The first cream cheese was made in New York state in 1872. Now it is in so many of our favorite recipes! Do you like a lot of glaze or just a little? Tell me how you like it.
A Slice of Comfort
This loaf is not too sweet. It is just right with a glass of cold milk. The carrots make it moist. The spices make it warm. It feels like a hug from your kitchen.
I love baking this on a quiet afternoon. It makes the whole house feel cozy. Sharing a slice with someone you love is the best part. That is what good food is all about.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Whole milk | 1/2 cup | |
| Vegetable oil | 1/4 cup | |
| Unsweetened greek yogurt or sour cream | 1/4 cup | |
| Large eggs | 3 | |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Light brown sugar | 1 cup | lightly packed |
| All purpose flour | 2 cups | |
| Baking soda | 2 teaspoons | |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Shredded carrots | 2 cups | |
| Cream cheese | 3 ounces | softened |
| Butter | 1 tablespoon | softened |
| Powdered sugar | 1/2 cup | |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
My WonkyWonderful Carrot Cake Loaf
My grandson calls this my “wonky” carrot cake loaf. It’s because the first time I made it, the top cracked. He thought it looked wonderfully silly. I decided the name was perfect. Not everything from the kitchen needs to be perfect. Sometimes, the wonky things taste the best. This loaf is so moist and cozy. It fills the whole house with a warm, spiced smell. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
I love making this on a lazy Saturday morning. It feels like a big, warm hug. The cream cheese glaze is my favorite part. It’s like putting a cozy sweater on the cake. Let’s get our bowls ready. I’ll walk you through it.
Step 1: First, turn your oven on to 350F. Get your loaf pan ready. I spray mine with a little baking spray. Then I put a small piece of parchment paper in the bottom. This little trick saves so much trouble later. The loaf just pops right out!
Step 2: Now, grab a big bowl. Put in the milk, oil, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. I still laugh at the time I used a fork because my whisk was dirty. It took forever! A good whisk is a kitchen friend.
Step 3: Next, add the brown sugar to your wet mix. Whisk it again. In another bowl, mix your flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Smell those spices. They remind me of my own grandma’s kitchen. So many good memories.
Step 4: Here’s a secret for you. Take your shredded carrots and put them in a little bowl. Sprinkle two spoonfuls of your flour mixture over them. Toss them around. (This hard-learned tip stops all the carrots from sinking to the bottom!). Now you can add the rest of the dry stuff to the wet.
Step 5: Mix the batter just until you don’t see dry flour anymore. A few lumps are okay! Then, gently fold in your carrots. Pour the batter into your waiting pan. Pop it in the oven for about an hour. A toothpick should come out clean from the middle.
Step 6: Let the loaf cool completely. Then, make the glaze. Mix the soft cream cheese and butter. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Warm it in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir it until it’s lovely and pourable. Drizzle it all over your cooled loaf. There, isn’t that beautiful?
Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Category: Dessert, Snack
Three Fun Twists to Try
This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change things up. You can add little extras to make it your own. I love getting creative. It makes baking such a fun adventure. Here are a few ideas I’ve tried over the years.
Sunshine & Crunch: Add a handful of crushed pineapple and some chopped walnuts. It makes the loaf extra moist and gives a nice little crunch.
Chocolate Chip Surprise: My grandkids love this one. Just mix in a half-cup of chocolate chips. The chocolate and carrot are a surprisingly happy pair.
Coconut Dream: Stir in some shredded coconut with the carrots. It adds a sweet, tropical flavor. It feels like a mini vacation.
Serving It Up Just Right
This loaf is wonderful all on its own. But you can make it extra special. For a simple treat, I just have a slice with my afternoon tea. The glaze is so creamy and sweet. It just melts in your mouth. I like to think of it as a little moment of peace in a busy day.
For dessert, try warming a slice for a few seconds. Serve it with a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. The warm cake and cold ice cream are pure magic. It’s a simple way to make everyone smile at the dinner table.
What should you drink with it? A cold glass of milk is always a winner. For the grown-ups, a cup of hot coffee with cream pairs beautifully.
Keeping Your Carrot Cake Loaf Happy
Let’s talk about keeping your loaf fresh and tasty. Once it’s completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will stay good on the counter for about three days. You can also freeze it for a later treat. Just wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in foil. Pop it in a freezer bag. It will be perfect for up to three months.
I remember my first time making this. I left the whole loaf out uncovered. It dried out by the next afternoon. I was so sad. Now I always wrap it up right away. This matters because a little care makes your hard work last. You can enjoy your baking for days.
This is a great recipe to make two loaves at once. Eat one now and freeze one for later. It saves you time on a busy week. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Baking Hiccups
Sometimes baking does not go as planned. Do not worry. Here are some easy fixes. If your loaf is soggy in the middle, it needed more bake time. Just pop it back in the oven for a few minutes. I once took my loaf out too early. The center fell right in. Now I always check with a toothpick.
If your carrots sink to the bottom, you forgot a special step. Tossing them in a little flour first helps them stay put. This matters because it gives you a perfect slice every time. If your glaze is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk. If it is too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
Getting it right builds your confidence in the kitchen. It also makes the flavor just perfect. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Carrot Cake Loaf Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes. Just use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. It works very well.
Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Bake it the day before. The flavors get even better overnight.
Q: What can I use instead of yogurt? A: You can use sour cream. Or you can use applesauce for a different twist.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You sure can. Just use two loaf pans. *Fun fact: Carrots were first grown for their leaves, not their roots!*
Q: Is the glaze optional? A: It is delicious with it. But the loaf is still very good on its own. Which tip will you try first?
A Little Note From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love baking this wonky wonderful loaf. It always makes my kitchen smell like home. Sharing recipes is one of my greatest joys. I would love to see what you create in your own kitchen.
Please share your beautiful results with everyone. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! Your pictures and stories make my day. Thank you for spending this time with me.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
WonkyWonderful Carrot Cake Loaf Recipe
Description
A moist and flavorful carrot cake loaf topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese glaze. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Glaze:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×5 pan with nonstick baking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil, greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla.
- Once the wet ingredients are smooth, add the brown sugar and whisk to combine.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Place the shredded carrots in a small bowl and sprinkle over 2 tablespoons of the dry mixture– this will help ensure the carrots distribute evenly through the loaf.
- Now add the dry ingredients to the wet and mix just until combined– you don’t want to overmix.
- Add the carrots and fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes and then carefully remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the Cream Cheese Glaze: Mix the softened cream cheese and butter together in a microwave safe bowl. Once combined, add the powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Microwave the glaze for 30 seconds and then stir it again. Pour it over the cooled carrot loaf and enjoy.
Notes
- For a smoother glaze, ensure the cream cheese and butter are very soft before mixing. You can also warm the mixture gently on the stovetop if you prefer not to use a microwave.