Description

A cozy, moist carrot cake loaf made with freshly grated carrots, warm spices, and applesauce for extra tenderness. Perfect on its own or topped with creamy cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients

1½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1½ tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)

¼ cup applesauce (or plain yogurt)

1½ cups finely grated carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

½ cup raisins or shredded coconut (optional)

1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

2 tbsp butter, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

½ tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, applesauce, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in grated carrots and any optional nuts, raisins, or coconut.
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
If frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt; mix until creamy. Spread over cooled loaf.

Notes

For a healthier version, substitute half or all of the flour with whole wheat flour and slightly reduce the sugar.

For dairy-free, skip frosting or use dairy-free alternatives.

Add well-drained crushed pineapple for extra moisture.

Do not overmix to avoid a dense loaf.

Store unfrosted at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated (frosted) for up to 5 days.

Freeze unfrosted loaf tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 loaf)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 280mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg