Description
This Carrot Walnut Cream Cheese Loaf is incredibly moist, warmly spiced with cinnamon, loaded with freshly grated carrots and crunchy walnuts, and topped with a creamy homemade cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups (220 g) freshly grated carrots
1 cup (120 g) chopped walnuts
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces (226 g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (57 g) unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups (180 g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Stir in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
5. Add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
9. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and softened butter until smooth and fluffy.
10. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until creamy.
11. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled loaf and garnish with extra chopped walnuts if desired.
12. Slice and serve.
Notes
Use freshly grated carrots instead of pre-shredded carrots for maximum moisture.
Lightly toast the walnuts before adding them for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Allow the loaf to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
The unfrosted loaf freezes well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg