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Introducing the newest sensation to grace your baking repertoire: the Extraordinary Carrot Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting! Delightfully moist and effortlessly simple to whip up, this recipe promises to be your go-to for Springtime gatherings, Easter celebrations, or any day you crave a slice of indulgence. Bursting with flavour, this carrot cake boasts a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a timeless favourite for all occasions.
Now, let’s discuss what makes this recipe truly unique. While many carrot cake recipes stick to using all-purpose flour, we've introduced an innovative twist by blending cake flour and extra-fine almond ground. Why, you might ask? Well, this dynamic duo not only guarantees a tender crumb and enhances the cake’s texture but also sets a new standard in flavour and depth. Moreover, while traditional recipes often rely on canola or vegetable oil, our recipe takes it up a notch by combining the rich flavour of melted unsalted butter with the lightness of canola oil, resulting in a cake that's unmatched in its buttery goodness and moistness.
But why should you recreate this masterpiece in your own kitchen? The answer is simple: because it’s not just any carrot cake – it’s a carrot cake that elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary. With each bite, you’ll savor the moistness of the cake, the creaminess of the frosting, and the subtle nuttiness from the almond ground.
Baking this Extraordinary Carrot Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting in a 9x5 inch pan offers several advantages. Firstly, the dimensions of the pan ensure the cake bakes evenly, resulting in a perfectly moist and tender loaf every time. The loaf shape also makes it ideal for slicing into neat, uniform portions, perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a treat throughout the week. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon snack, the 9x5 inch pan ensures that this delectable carrot cake loaf is both effortlessly practical and irresistibly delicious.
So, whether you’re welcoming the arrival of Spring, hosting an Easter brunch, or simply craving a slice of heaven cake, our Extraordinary Carrot Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting is here to satisfy your sweetest desires. Let’s get baking and indulge in every delightful bite! Go ahead, treat yourself – you deserve it.
Furthermore, embark on a culinary adventure with my collection of quick and easy baking recipes designed to delight your taste buds. Indulge in the creamy richness of Mini New York Cheesecake, savor the refreshing zest of Ultra Moist Lemon Pound Cake, and experience the harmonious blend of Uji Matcha White Chocolate Muffins. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes offer simplicity without compromising on flavor. Elevate your baking journey and impress your loved ones with these delectable creations that are sure to become favorites in your kitchen.
RECIPE HIGHLIGHTS:
Irresistible Moistness: Indulge in a slice of pure delight with our Extraordinary Carrot Cake Loaf. Each bite is infused with luxurious moisture, ensuring a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Effortless Preparation: Our recipe is designed for simplicity, allowing you to whip up a heavenly carrot cake with ease. Perfect for busy bakers or those new to the kitchen.
Versatile Enjoyment: Whether it’s a Springtime brunch, an Easter gathering, or a cozy afternoon treat, our carrot cake loaf is the perfect companion for any occasion. Enjoy it year-round as a timeless favourite.
Perfect Balance of Flavour: Experience the harmonious blend of sweet and spice in every slice. Our carrot cake boasts a flawless balance of flavours, enhanced by the aromatic notes of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Innovative Ingredient Combination: Elevate your baking journey with our unique twist. By incorporating a blend of cake flour and extra-fine almond ground, we’ve crafted a cake with a superior texture and unparalleled taste. What sets our recipe even further apart is our innovative twist to combine the richness of melted unsalted butter with the lightness of canola oil. This ingenious combination not only enhances the moistness and flavour of the cake but also ensures a delightful indulgence in every bite.
Creamy Decadence: Crowned with luscious cream cheese frosting, our carrot cake loaf reaches new heights of indulgence. Each velvety dollop adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the moistness of the cake.
Customizable Delight: Make it your own with optional additions like chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch, and raisins. Our recipe offers flexibility, allowing you to tailor the loaf to your personal taste preferences.
Family-Friendly Favourite: Delight loved ones of all ages with this beloved classic cake. Our Extraordinary Carrot Cake Loaf is sure to become a cherished staple in your baking repertoire, bringing joy with every slice.
Reduced Sugar Indulgence: All our recipes are reduced sugar without compromising their taste and texture, giving you the pleasant sweetness of indulgent baked goods!
Yield: A 9x5 inch loaf size cake.
Servings: 10 slices.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE CARROT CAKE LOAF WITH CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
1. FOR THE CAKE:
2. FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
INGREDIENT NOTES:
1. FOR THE CAKE:
Use cake flour for a lighter texture. If unavailable, you can substitute with all-purpose flour, but the texture may vary slightly.
Incorporating almond ground extra fine (also known as almond flour) to a cake recipe can provide several benefits: Almond ground adds a subtle nutty flavour to the cake, enhancing its taste profile and adding depth of flavour. Almond ground contains natural oils that can help retain moisture in the cake, resulting in a moist and tender crumb. Adding almond ground to a cake recipe can increase its nutritional content. Almond ground is a good source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
Baking soda and baking powder are essential leavening agents that help the cake rise. Check the expiry date before using for optimal results. Ensuring they are fresh will contribute to the best possible outcome of your cake.
Salt enhances the flavours in the cake and balances the sweetness. Adjust according to your preference.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg provide warm, aromatic flavours that complement the carrots. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Grated carrots should be fresh and finely grated for even distribution throughout the cake. Finely grated carrots are a key ingredient in carrot cake recipes, contributing to its moistness, sweetness, texture, flavour, and nutritional value.
Room temperature eggs incorporate more evenly into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture. Eggs are a crucial ingredient in carrot cake recipes, contributing to its texture, structure, moisture, and overall flavour.
Light brown sugar adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavour. You can use dark brown sugar as a substitute.
Caster sugar extra fine blends more easily into the batter, but regular granulated sugar can be used as a substitute.
Melted unsalted butter adds richness to the cake, while canola oil keeps it moist. You can use vegetable oil as a substitute for canola oil.
Buttermilk adds tanginess and tenderness to the cake. If unavailable, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Pure vanilla extract enhances the flavour of the cake. Avoid using artificial vanilla flavouring for the best taste.
Chopped walnut halves add crunch and flavour to the cake, but they are optional. You can substitute with pecans or omit them altogether.
2. FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
Softened cream cheese and butter ensure a smooth and creamy frosting. Make sure they are at room temperature for easy mixing.
Sifted super fine icing sugar helps prevent lumps in the frosting and ensures a smooth texture.
Pure vanilla extract adds flavour, aroma, sweetness, and overall enhancement to the frosting’s taste.
A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness of the frosting and balances the flavours. Adjust according to your preference.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CAKE:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with baking spray or butter and line with non-stick parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together of cake flour, extra-fine almond ground, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, pour in canola oil and melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar and extra-fine caster sugar. Mix until well combined.
4. Incorporate Eggs: Combine 3 large eggs (at room temperature) one at a time, whisking continuously until smooth and emulsified. This way will make them easier to incorporate and create a smoother batter.
5. Add Buttermilk and Vanilla Extract: Stir in buttermilk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add in the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake.
7. Fold in Grated Carrots: Gently fold in finely grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Fold in Walnuts (Optional): Gently fold in chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
9. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, then give it a few taps or gently shake the pan to distribute the batter evenly. This helps ensure an even bake and uniform texture throughout the cake.
10. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (177°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly during baking, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the final 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning while the center continues to bake.
11. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
1. Soften Ingredients: Ensure that cream cheese and unsalted butter are softened to room temperature. This will make them easier to blend and create a smoother frosting.
2. Sift Icing Sugar: Sift super-fine icing sugar to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth frosting consistency. Set aside.
3. Cream Unsalted Butter and Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. This can be done using a hand mixer.
4. Gradually Add Icing Sugar: Gradually add the sifted icing sugar to the cream cheese mixture, a little at a time, while continuing to beat on low speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. Add Vanilla Extract and Salt: Mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavour of the frosting. Blend until well incorporated.
6. Beat Until Smooth: Increase the speed to medium-high and continue to beat the frosting until smooth, creamy, and fluffy. This should take approximately 2-3 minutes.
7. Adjust Consistency (if needed): If the frosting is too thin, add more sifted icing sugar. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a small amount of milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
8. Prepare for Decorating the Cake: Transfer the cream cheese frosting into a piping bag with a closed star piping nozzle number 35.
9. Chill (Optional): If the frosting is too soft to pipe or spread, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to firm up slightly before using.
10. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, trim off the top of the piping bag and start to drizzle evenly the cream cheese frosting onto the top of carrot cake in a zigzag line design or you spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the carrot cake with a spatula. For a finishing touch, decorate your carrot cake loaf with edible carrot toppers.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake and serve it as desired. Revel in the creamy decadence of your homemade Extraordinary Carrot Cake Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting!
PRO TIPS:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs, unsalted butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before starting the recipe. This will help them blend more easily and result in a smoother batter and frosting.
Properly Grated Carrots: Use fresh, finely grated carrots for optimal results. Finely grating the carrots ensures even distribution throughout the cake, resulting in a seamlessly blended batter and enhancing the overall texture and flavor.
Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you’ve added the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense or tough cake. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
Prevent Over-Browning: If you notice the top of the cake browning too quickly during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the final 10-15 minutes. This technique helps prevent over-browning while allowing the center of the cake to bake evenly.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a smooth application.
Chill the Frosting: If the cream cheese frosting is too soft, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes to firm up slightly before frosting the cake. This makes it easier to spread and prevents it from sliding off the cake.
Decorate Creatively: Add a finishing touch to your carrot cake loaf by decorating it with edible carrot toppers, additional grated carrots, chopped walnuts, chopped pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese frosting.
STORAGE AND SERVING TIPS:
Store the frosted carrot cake loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving, although my family loves a cold slice straight from the fridge. It's so delicious either way!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use pre-shredded carrots instead of freshly grated carrots at home?
While pre-shredded carrots can be convenient, they may not provide the same level of moisture and flavor as freshly grated carrots. Freshly grated carrots release natural juices during baking, contributing to the moistness and texture of the cake. If using pre-shredded carrots, consider lightly blotting them with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before incorporating them into the batter. However, for the best results and optimal flavor, we recommend using freshly grated carrots whenever possible.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of cake flour?
While you can substitute whole wheat flour for cake flour, keep in mind that it will result in a denser texture. Cake flour has a lower protein content, which helps create a lighter and tender crumb. If using whole wheat flour, you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend in place of the cake flour. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, including the baking powder, baking soda and almond ground are certified gluten-free.
Can I use vegetable oil instead of canola oil?
Yes, vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil in this recipe. Both oils have a neutral flavour and similar properties, so the substitution should not significantly affect the outcome of the cake.
How long will the carrot cake loaf stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the carrot cake loaf can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze the carrot cake loaf?
Yes, you can freeze the carrot cake loaf either before or after frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Can I omit the nuts from the recipe?
Yes, you can omit the chopped walnuts or any other nuts from the recipe if you prefer a nut-free version of the carrot cake. The cake will still be delicious and moist without the nuts.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in the cream cheese frosting?
It’s best to use unsalted butter in the cream cheese frosting to control the saltiness of the overall flavour. If you only have salted butter on hand, reduce the amount of added salt in the frosting to ovoid over-salting the frosting mixture.
Remember to leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out in the comment section below if you’ve tried and loved this recipe. Your support means a lot to me ❤️
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