This easy carrot loaf cake is moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a smooth cream cheese drip icing. Baked in a loaf tin, it is a simple and comforting cake that is perfect for afternoon tea, sharing with family, or enjoying as a weekend bake.

 

Ingredients

For the Carrot Loaf Cake

170g plain flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon mixed spice

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

170g light brown sugar or light muscovado sugar

2 medium eggs, room temperature and lightly beaten

150ml sunflower oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil

200g grated carrots, about 2 medium carrots

100g pecans, finely chopped

For the Cream Cheese Drip Icing

90g full-fat cream cheese, room temperature

35g butter, room temperature

150g icing sugar, sifted

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Decoration

Small icing carrots

Extra chopped pecans

A light dusting of cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease and line a 2lb loaf tin with baking parchment.

2. In a large bowl, mix the plain flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, mixed spice, nutmeg, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the light brown sugar, beaten eggs, and oil until smooth and well combined.

4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined.

5. Fold in the grated carrots and finely chopped pecans.

6. Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the top.

7. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the cake is risen, golden, and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

8. Leave the cake to cool in the tin for 10 to 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. To make the icing, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.

10. Add the sifted icing sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until thick and smooth.

11. Spread or drizzle the cream cheese icing over the cooled loaf cake, letting it drip slightly down the sides.

12. Decorate with small icing carrots, chopped pecans, or a light dusting of cinnamon if desired.

13. Slice and serve once the icing has set slightly.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Baking Time: 45 to 50 minutes | Total Time: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes

Kcal: Approx. 360 kcal per slice | Servings: 12 slices