Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! Today, I am thrilled to share with you a delightful recipe for a carrot cake loaf cake that is not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy to make. This carrot cake is moist, rich in flavor, and topped with a luscious cream cheese icing. It’s perfect for any occasion, be it a family gathering, a special celebration, or simply a treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your go-to carrot cake recipe. Let’s dive into the details and get baking!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 eggs: Eggs act as a binder and provide structure to the cake.
- 1 cup dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Provides additional sweetness and helps in creating a tender crumb.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and moisture, resulting in a soft, tender cake.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 2 cups plain flour: The base of the cake that provides structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to help the cake rise.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups grated carrots: The star ingredient that adds moisture, sweetness, and texture.
- 1 cup raisins: Adds a chewy texture and bursts of sweetness.
For the Cream Cheese Icing:
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese, softened: Creates a creamy, tangy frosting.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps in making the frosting smooth.
- 4 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and provides a smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor and enhances the overall taste.
Instructions
Preparing the Cake:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf tin with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 eggs, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of buttermilk, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine 2 cups of plain flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Sift these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Sifting helps in incorporating air and removes any lumps, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Combine the Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or a wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until the ingredients are combined.
- Add Carrots and Raisins: Fold in the 2 cups of grated carrots and 1 cup of raisins into the batter. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to prevent the cream cheese icing from melting when applied.
Preparing the Cream Cheese Icing:
- Mix the Icing: In a medium mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add 4 cups of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until the icing is smooth and fluffy. If the icing is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Assembling the Cake:
- Top the Cake: Once the carrot cake loaf is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese icing evenly over the top using a spatula.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy the moist, flavorful carrot cake with its rich and creamy topping.
And there you have it! This carrot cake loaf cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of carrots and raisins with the warmth of spices, all topped with a creamy, tangy cream cheese icing. It’s a simple yet impressive dessert that will surely become a favorite in your household. I hope you enjoy making and eating this cake as much as I do. Happy baking, and see you next time
