Moist Carrot Loaf Cake Recipe

Baking this carrot loaf cake is like wrapping yourself in a cozy sweater made from your grandmother’s love, with a hint of cinnamon and a dash of nostalgia. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this deliciously moist adventure.

I am enamored with how this cake of a loaf is frosted and moist. The natural sweetness of grated carrots is at the forefront.

To balance that, the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger rushes in and takes over. Just at that moment, while it’s all coming together, the perfect rise of all-purpose flour and baking powder happens.

Then, applesauce does its thing, making this loaf even more moist than it already was. The added walnuts or raisins really help with that loaf-y texture.

Moist Carrot Loaf Cake Recipe Ingredients

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and carbohydrates.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Helps the cake rise.
• Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: Adds warm, spicy flavors.
• Granulated & brown sugar: Sweetens and adds moisture.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and subtle sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• Grated carrots: Provide natural sweetness and fiber.
• Walnuts or pecans: Add crunch and healthy fats.
• Raisins: Provide sweetness and chewy texture.

Moist Carrot Loaf Cake Recipe Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 and 1/2 cups (200g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) grated carrots
• 1/2 cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup (85g) raisins (optional)

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How to Make this Moist Carrot Loaf Cake Recipe

1. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing it.

2. In an average bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger and whisk together.

3. In a big bowl, combine the white sugar and brown sugar, along with the vegetable oil, applesauce, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it’s well combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix until it’s smooth.

4. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, blending very lightly until everything is roughly combined. Don’t go overboard mixing; it’s better to under-mix than to over-mix at this point.

5. Incorporate the grated carrots until they are evenly mixed in. If you are using them, also incorporate the chopped walnuts or pecans and the raisins.

6. Into the loaf pan prepared, pour the batter and, with the aid of a spatula, spread it evenly.

7. Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 60 to 65 minutes in the center of the oven or until the baked goods test done. Test by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf—if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready.

8. Take the bread out of the oven and let it sit in the pan for approximately 10 minutes to cool.

9. Move the loaf to a wire rack to cool all the way down.

10. After it has cooled down, cut the carrot loaf cake into slices and present it. Delight in its exquisite taste!

Moist Carrot Loaf Cake Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×5 inch loaf pan
3. Non-stick cooking spray or butter for greasing
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Whisk
7. Electric mixer or hand whisk
8. Spatula
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
11. Grater
12. Toothpick
13. Wire cooling rack
14. Sharp knife or bread knife for slicing

FAQ

• Q: Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another type of oil?A: Yes, canola oil or melted coconut oil can be used in place of vegetable oil.
• Q: Can I make this loaf cake vegan?You can try replacing the eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tbsp water) and be sure to use sugar that is free of animal products.
• Q: Do I need to peel the carrots before grating?A: To avoid any bitterness from the skin, you should peel the carrots before grating them.
• Q: How should I store the carrot loaf cake?A: You can keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Q: Can I freeze this loaf cake?A: Yes, the cooled cake can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve it, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator.
• Q: What can I use instead of applesauce?A: Alternatives for moisture include mashed banana or Greek yogurt. If you don’t have either, you can use applesauce.
• Q: Are the walnuts or pecans necessary?A: No, they are optional. If you have allergies to nuts or decide that you would rather not use them, the cake will be excellent without them.

Moist Carrot Loaf Cake Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 and 1/2 cups (200g) all-purpose flour – Whole wheat flour can be used in the same amount for a denser final product.
1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil – For a slightly coconut-flavored substitute, use the same amount of melted coconut oil.
Substituting with mashed banana will not render any healthier results, as bananas are just as sugary as applesauce, if not more so. The healthier option would be to use a reduced-sugar fruit puree (more akin to applesauce), and that would add more of a fruit flavor (a healthier flavor profile).
2 big eggs, at room temperature — Substitute with 1/2 cup (120ml) plain yogurt or buttermilk for a moist texture; this is a great vegetarian option.
1/2 cup (85g) raisins (optional) – If you want a different flavor, use chopped dried apricots or dried cranberries.

Pro Tips

1. Grate the Carrots Finely For a moist texture and even distribution, grate the carrots finely. This ensures that they blend seamlessly into the batter and you get bits of carrot in every bite.

2. Use Room Temperature Ingredients Ensure all your wet ingredients, especially the eggs, are at room temperature before you start. This allows for better emulsification and a smoother batter.

3. Fold in Add-ins Carefully When incorporating walnuts, pecans, or raisins, fold them in gently with a spatula. This prevents over-mixing, which can lead to a dense loaf.

4. Check Oven Temperature Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature. Some ovens run hot or cool, which can affect baking times and results.

5. Let It Cool Completely Patience is key. Allow the loaf to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the flavors develop fully and ensures clean cuts.