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When it comes to classic desserts that feel like a warm hug, Carrot Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is the perfect choice. Its moist, tender crumb, fragrant spices, and rich, tangy glaze make it an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something special, this cake delivers a combination of comfort and indulgence that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
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What Makes This Carrot Pound Cake So Special?
This cake is a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake we all know and love. While traditional carrot cake is often layered, this pound cake is a single, elegant loaf that packs all the flavor without the fuss.
Reasons to Love This Recipe:
- Easy to Make: No layering or fancy techniques here—just a straightforward, foolproof recipe.
- Bursting with Flavor: Warm cinnamon and nutmeg mingle with the natural sweetness of carrots.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a dessert, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet breakfast treat.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The cream cheese glaze drapes over the cake like a luscious cascade, making it look as good as it tastes.
Ingredients for Carrot Pound Cake
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cake to life:
For the Cake:
- Flour: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Soda: ½ teaspoon
- Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
- Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Carrots: 2 cups finely grated
- Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
- Sugar: 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup, packed
- Eggs: 4 large
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons
- Buttermilk: ½ cup
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened
- Powdered Sugar: 1 ½ cups
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Milk: 2-3 tablespoons (adjust for desired consistency)
Tools You’ll Need:
- A stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- A 9×5-inch loaf pan
- A grater for the carrots
- Whisk and spatula
How to Make Carrot Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.
Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir in the grated carrots until evenly distributed.
Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 60–70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then thin the glaze with milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the sides. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Carrot Pound Cake
- Grate Finely: Finely grated carrots ensure they blend seamlessly into the batter, keeping the cake moist without any chunky bits.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smooth batter and glaze.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can result in a dense cake—mix just until combined.
- Make Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
What to Serve with Carrot Pound Cake
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For an extra indulgent treat, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: If you live in a warm climate, refrigerate the cake to keep the glaze from melting.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Pre-Shredded Carrots?
It’s best to grate fresh carrots as pre-shredded ones tend to be dry and less flavorful.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Can I Add Nuts or Raisins?
Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Why You’ll Love Making This Cake
Making this Carrot Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze is as rewarding as eating it! It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of warm spices, sweet carrots, and creamy glaze is nothing short of perfection.
Looking for more irresistible recipes? Check these out:
- Chicken Parmesan Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Classic
- Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake Recipe
- Easy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Bars
I’d love to see your creations! Share your photos and reviews on Pinterest at Lynorecipe. Let’s make something delicious together! Happy baking! 🍰
PrintCarrot Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Description
This moist and flavorful Carrot Pound Cake, topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze, is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Infused with warm spices and the natural sweetness of carrots, this easy-to-make loaf is a crowd-pleaser that looks as good as it tastes!
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups finely grated carrots
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (adjust to desired consistency)
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Fold in grated carrots until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk (a little at a time) until the glaze reaches your desired consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Notes
- For extra texture, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins into the batter.
- Store at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 60
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American