Carrot Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Sweet Carrot Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Whipping up a delightful carrot pound cake can turn an ordinary afternoon into a sweet celebration of flavor.

Moist crumbs packed with warm spices promise a delectable treat that surprises even seasoned bakers.

Carrots bring unexpected richness to this classic dessert, creating a tender texture that melts in your mouth.

Nutmeg and cinnamon dance through each bite, complementing the natural sweetness of grated vegetables.

Cream cheese glaze adds a luxurious finish that makes this cake irresistible for casual gatherings or special occasions.

Confident home cooks will appreciate how simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical.

Slice into this incredible dessert and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Glazed Goodness That Defines Carrot Pound Cake

  • Stress-Free Baking: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple techniques and basic ingredients anyone can master.
  • Wholesome Family Treat: Packed with nutritious carrots and warm spices, this pound cake brings comfort and joy to family gatherings and casual dessert moments.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for breakfast, afternoon tea, potlucks, or casual desserts, this cake adapts beautifully to different occasions and always impresses.
  • Simple Ingredient Magic: Uses common pantry staples and creates a stunning dessert without complicated shopping or exotic ingredients, making it a reliable go-to recipe.

Burrata Bruschetta (Christmas) Ingredient Guide

Main Ingredients:

Cake Base:
  • Flour: Provides structure for the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with texture.
  • Brown Sugar: Offers deep caramel-like flavor.
  • Butter: Contributes rich moisture and flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure.
  • Carrots: Brings moisture and natural sweetness.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help cake rise and become fluffy.
Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Enhance warm, classic carrot cake flavor.
Liquid Components:
  • Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and slight tanginess.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides depth of flavor.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, tangy base for glaze.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens glaze.
  • Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency.
Additional Components:
  • Salt: Balances overall sweetness.
  • Parchment Paper: Optional pan lining for easy removal.

Christmas Burrata Bruschetta: Quick Assembly Guide

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350°F. Prepare your loaf pan by coating it with a light layer of grease and a dusting of flour, or line it with parchment paper for easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients with enthusiasm:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg
  • Salt

Set this magical powder blend aside for now.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweet goodness. This should take about 3 minutes of mixing.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla Magic

Crack eggs into the butter mixture one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Pour in the vanilla extract and blend until everything is silky smooth.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the freshly grated carrots, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Craft the Creamy Glaze

Beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and dreamy. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a splash of milk. Adjust the milk until you reach the perfect glaze consistency.

Step 8: Finish with a Flourish

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the cream cheese glaze generously over the top. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Burrata Bruschetta Tips That Light Up the Holiday Table

  • Grate Carrots Finely: Use the small holes of a box grater for ultra-smooth, moist cake texture that blends seamlessly into the batter.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at multiple points to ensure even baking, preventing undercooked or dry sections in the pound cake.
  • Room Temperature Matters: Allow eggs, butter, and buttermilk to reach room temperature before mixing for smoother, more consistent cake batter.
  • Control Glaze Consistency: Add milk gradually to cream cheese mixture, testing thickness until you achieve the perfect drizzling texture that clings beautifully to cake edges.
  • Store Smartly: Wrap cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain maximum moisture and flavor.

Storing Christmas Burrata Bruschetta for Later Enjoyment

  • Store cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
  • Wrap completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months for quick individual servings.
  • Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Allow glaze to come to room temperature naturally to maintain texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Burrata Bruschetta

  • Pair Perfectly with Coffee: Brew a medium-roast Colombian coffee to complement the cake's warm spices and rich cream cheese glaze. The coffee's subtle caramel notes enhance the carrot cake's sweetness.
  • Serve Alongside Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream next to a slice of cake for a delightful temperature and texture contrast. The cool, smooth ice cream balances the cake's dense, spiced profile.
  • Match with Spiced Chai Latte: Create a cozy experience by serving a spiced chai latte that mirrors the cake's cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. The tea's warm, aromatic spices beautifully echo the cake's comforting essence.
  • Elevate with Caramel Drizzle: Add an extra layer of indulgence by drizzling salted caramel sauce over both the cake and ice cream. The buttery, slightly salty caramel deepens the dessert's complex flavor palette.

Carrot Pound Cake Flavor Combos

  • Gluten-Free Carrot Cake: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, ensuring the same rich texture while making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Carrot Pound Cake: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and swap buttermilk for almond milk to create a completely dairy-free and egg-free version.
  • Nut-Infused Carrot Cake: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor, providing a delightful textural element to the classic recipe.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake's delicious sweetness and moist consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the cake will be slightly denser and have a nuttier flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio, but expect a slightly different texture.

  • How do I know if my carrots are fresh for the recipe?

Choose carrots that are firm, smooth, and bright orange without any soft spots or cracks. Organic carrots work best and provide the most natural sweetness for the pound cake.

  • What makes the cream cheese glaze smooth and creamy?

Room temperature cream cheese is key. Make sure it’s soft but not melted, and beat it until completely smooth before adding powdered sugar. This prevents lumps and creates a silky glaze.

  • Can I add nuts to this carrot pound cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans work great. Fold about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of toasted nuts into the batter just before baking for extra crunch and flavor.

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Carrot Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Carrot Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe


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4.7 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sinful carrot pound cake with cream cheese glaze promises pure dessert bliss, melding rich spices and moist cake layers. Sweet Southern comfort arrives with each velvety slice, inviting you to savor every delectable crumb of this irresistible treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 cups finely grated carrots
  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) butter, softened
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk

Sweeteners:

  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and flour or parchment paper lining.
  2. Create a dry ingredient mixture by combining flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl, then set aside.
  3. Cream butter and both sugars in a large mixing bowl until the texture becomes light and airy, which typically takes approximately 3 minutes.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
  5. Gradually combine dry ingredients with the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk and maintaining a smooth consistency, then gently fold in grated carrots to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it uniformly, and bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
  7. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  8. Prepare the cream cheese glaze by beating softened cream cheese until smooth, then gradually incorporate powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk to achieve the desired drizzling consistency.
  9. Once the cake has cooled completely, generously drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top, creating an elegant and delicious finish.

Notes

  • Grate carrots finely to ensure even distribution and prevent large chunks in the cake, creating a smooth, consistent texture.
  • Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk to help them blend more smoothly and create a lighter, more tender crumb.
  • Replace some all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a slightly nutty flavor without compromising the cake’s softness.
  • Adjust glaze thickness by adding milk or powdered sugar incrementally, allowing you to control the perfect drizzling consistency for a beautiful finish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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