Description
Chai Spiced Carrot Loaf Cake with Brown Butter Cream Cheese is a cozy, flavorful dessert that combines freshly grated carrots, warm chai spices, and an ultra-creamy brown butter cream cheese frosting. Perfect for spring, fall, or any celebration, this moist carrot loaf is a showstopping yet simple treat that brings together comfort and elegance in every slice.
Ingredients
For the Carrot Loaf Cake:
1 ¼ cup cake flour (150g)
¾ cup all-purpose flour (90g)
2 tsp chai spice
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp salt
½ cup olive oil (100ml)
½ cup packed brown sugar (110g)
½ cup granulated sugar (110g)
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tsp vanilla extract
⅓ cup whole milk Greek yogurt
1 ⅓ cup finely shredded carrots (~2–3 medium carrots)
For the Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting:
12 tbsp unsalted butter (browned and cooled to approx. 8 tbsp or 113g)
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2–3 tbsp milk of choice
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp salt
¼ cup candied walnuts, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
For the Carrot Loaf Cake:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, all-purpose flour, chai spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
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In another large bowl, whisk olive oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
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Stir in the shredded carrots.
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Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
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Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
For the Frosting:
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Brown the butter in a saucepan until golden and fragrant; cool to room temperature.
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Beat cream cheese and browned butter until creamy.
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Slowly add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Mix until fluffy and smooth.
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Once the loaf is completely cool, spread frosting over the top and sprinkle with candied walnuts if using.
Notes
Swap frosting with a simple glaze if you prefer.
Add-ins like raisins, pecans, or crushed pineapple can boost flavor and texture.
Adjust spice level to taste by increasing or reducing chai spice.
Make it dairy-free using plant-based yogurt, cream cheese, and milk.
Freeze unfrosted loaf for up to 2 months.
