How do you know when the loaf is done?

Always start checking for doneness on the lower end of cook time just in case. The top of the loaf should be browned and completely set. Then, use a paring knife (can also use a toothpick) and poke straight down through the middle of the loaf. If it comes out clean, it's done. If there is still batter on it when you pull it out then you need a little more time.

If you frost the loaf, store it in the refrigerator. You can also leave the frosting on the side, adding it to each individual slice as you serve. In this case you could store the bread on the counter in an airtight container and keep the frosting in the refrigerator. Lastly, you can also freeze the bread (unfrosted). When ready to serve, let the bread sit out at room temperature over night, then make the frosting on the day-of.

Is this carrot cake loaf healthy?

This recipe leans more toward dessert than snack, especially when it's topped with the cream cheese frosting. It's not overly sweet on it's own though and does have plenty of nutrient-dense ingredients. Check out the nutrition facts in the recipe card for specifics.

Can I make this vegan?

I haven't tried making this recipe vegan, but you could likely sub flax "eggs" for the real eggs with success. Try a homemade vegan cream cheese frosting or use a store-bought option like Miss Jones .

Carrot Cake Loaf

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Making a carrot cake loaf is the best way to enjoy the classic flavors that you love without all the fuss of an actual cake. This one is finished with a lovely and totally irresistible orange cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Author: Leanne Ray, MS, RDN
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Category: Desserts, Sweet Treats
Method: Oven
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Carrot Cake Loaf

1.5 cups (205 grams) white whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup (100 grams) olive oil
2 eggs
1/2 cup (85 grams) brown sugar
1/3 cup (100 grams) pure maple syrup
1 tablespoon (10 grams) vanilla extract
1 cup (100 grams) finely shredded carrots
1/4 cup (27 grams) chopped walnuts
1/4 cup (35 grams) raisins
2 tablespoons (12 grams) finely shredded unsweetened coconut

Orange Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a loaf pan with butter and set aside.
To a medium bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Whisk to combine.
To a large bowl, add oil, eggs, brown sugar, maple syrup and vanilla. Whisk until well combined.
Add wet ingredients to dry and use a spatula to gently mix until just combined (do not over mix the batter). Fold in the carrots, walnuts, raisins and coconut. Transfer to prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes or until a paring knife inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let stand in pan for 15 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
Make the frosting: add cream cheese and butter to a mixer (or use a hand mixer) and beat until creamy, about 30-60 seconds. Add powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add orange zest and cinnamon and mix again until just combined.
Once loaf is completely cool, spread frosting on top and top with additional zest and cinnamon, serve immediately. Alternatively, you can keep the frosting separate and top individual slices as you eat them.

Equipment

loaf pan

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measuring cups

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mixing bowls

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Notes

The equipment section above includes affiliate links to things I use often in my kitchen and recommend.
The loaf pan I use is a USA Pan 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" (see below for direct link). If the one you use is a different size, cook times may vary.
Nutrition information includes the orange cinnamon cream cheese frosting

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2" slice
Calories: 347 calories
Fat: 20 grams
Carbohydrates: 41 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Protein: 5.5 grams

Find it online: https://healthyishappetite.com/carrot-cake-loaf/