Description
This cream cheese filled carrot cake loaf is a delicious twist on classic carrot cake—moist, warmly spiced, and with a rich cheesecake-style center. Perfect for quick breakfast ideas, cozy dessert spreads, or healthy-ish snack moments. Easy recipe to prep ahead and a crowd-pleaser for holidays, brunch, or dinner ideas that need a sweet ending.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla. Stir in grated carrots. Add dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
4. In another bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Pour half the batter into the loaf pan. Spread cream cheese filling over it, then top with remaining batter.
6. Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick in the cake portion comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes in pan, then transfer to rack.
7. For the frosting: beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Frost cooled loaf and slice to serve.
Notes
Use finely grated fresh carrots for moisture and texture—avoid pre-shredded store-bought ones.
Let the loaf cool completely before adding frosting or slicing to avoid a messy crumble.
The frosting is optional, but it truly elevates the final flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg