Dessert

Carrot Cake Bread Recipe

Byluca Carter October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

Introduction

This Carrot Cake Bread offers a moist, warmly spiced treat that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. With grated carrots and crunchy nuts folded into a tender crumb, it’s comforting and wholesome. A smooth vegan cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finishing touch.

A close-up of a thick slice of carrot cake showing one layer rich with moist, light brown cake mixed with bright orange carrot shreds and dark walnut pieces; the cake is topped with a creamy, smooth, off-white layer of frosting that spreads evenly over the top, with chopped walnuts placed on the frosting edge; in the background, blurred whole carrots add an orange contrast; the slice is held from the bottom corner by a woman's hand over a white plate with more cake pieces on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon allspice

¾ cup unsweetened applesauce
¾ cup neutral oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 ½ cups grated carrot
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
¾ cup vegan cream cheese (for frosting)

½ cup vegan butter (for frosting)
2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (for frosting)

1 pinch salt (for frosting)

Instructions

Step 1: Wash, peel, and grate the carrots. Chop the walnuts or pecans and set both aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the wet ingredients: applesauce, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

Step 3: Add the dry ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice—to the wet mixture. Stir until combined.
Step 4: Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped nuts, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
Step 5: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.

Step 6: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: While the bread is baking, prepare the frosting by whisking together vegan cream cheese, vegan butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 8: Allow the cake to cool completely before spreading the frosting evenly on top to prevent melting.

Step 9: Slice and serve. Enjoy your moist, flavorful carrot cake bread!

Tips & Variations

For a layered cake, divide the batter into two 6-inch pans and double the frosting recipe for generous coverage.
Make sure the cake is completely cool before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.

Swap walnuts for pecans or add raisins for a different texture and flavor.

Storage

Store the carrot cake bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving. The frosting may firm up when chilled; let the bread sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a rectangular loaf cake with one thick layer of light brown cake at the bottom, topped by a thick layer of smooth, creamy off-white frosting spread evenly on top, creating soft swirls. Scattered across the frosting are medium-sized pieces of chopped pecans adding a textured and crunchy look with their warm, brown tones. The cake sits on a light wooden surface, with sunlight casting soft shadows. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the cake's details. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of vegan cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute regular cream cheese if you prefer. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is it necessary to peel the carrots before grating?

Peeling is recommended to remove any bitterness and ensure a smooth texture, but if they are well washed and tender, you may grate them unpeeled for extra nutrients.