Description
This moist and flavorful Carrot Cake Loaf combines the natural sweetness of grated carrots and crushed pineapple with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this easy-to-make loaf is enhanced by optional chopped nuts, giving it a delightful texture. Baked to golden perfection, it’s ideal on its own or topped with cream cheese frosting for a richer treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
Optional
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground ginger until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add Carrots and Pineapple: Stir the finely grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple into the wet mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Nuts: If using, fold the chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter carefully to maintain batter lightness.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center exits cleanly.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For extra indulgence, top the cooled loaf with cream cheese frosting for a classic finish.
- Store leftovers wrapped in foil or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
