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Tender Small-Batch Carrot Cake Loaf for Two

small-batch carrot cake loaf - featured image
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A tender, flavorful small-batch carrot cake loaf perfect for two, topped with luscious cream cheese frosting. Quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65g)
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (60ml)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened (85g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (28g)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g), sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: a pinch of lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your small loaf pan well with butter or non-stick spray, and optionally line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the vegetable oil and granulated sugar until well mixed. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until smooth and slightly fluffy.
  4. Fold the grated carrots (and nuts if using) into the wet mixture gently.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding carefully with a rubber spatula until just combined without over-mixing.
  6. Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool the loaf completely on a cooling rack before frosting.
  9. To make the frosting, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Add lemon zest if desired.
  10. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled loaf. Optionally, sprinkle chopped nuts or a dash of cinnamon on top.

Notes

Grate carrots finely for a tender crumb. Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese for best results. Sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting. Let batter rest 5-10 minutes before baking to bloom spices. Tent with foil if top browns too quickly. Frost only when loaf is completely cool.

Nutrition

Keywords: carrot cake, small batch, loaf, cream cheese frosting, easy dessert, quick baking, cozy dessert

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/tender-small-batch-carrot-cake-loaf-for-two-easy-homemade-recipe/