Carrot Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Here’s a detailed recipe for a Carrot Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze—moist, flavorful, and perfect for dessert or afternoon tea.

Carrot Pound Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Ingredients (Makes 1 loaf / 10–12 servings)

Cake

• 225 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200 g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp salt

• 190 g (1½ cups) all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 150 g (1½ cups) grated carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)

• 50 g (½ cup) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cream Cheese Glaze

• 60 g (¼ cup) cream cheese, softened

• 60 g (½ cup) powdered sugar

• 1–2 tsp milk or cream

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prep the pan
   Preheat oven to 175°C / 350°F.
   Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Cream butter and sugar
   In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Add eggs and vanilla
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing well.

4. Combine dry ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

5. Mix wet and dry ingredients
   Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

6. Add carrots and nuts
   Fold in the grated carrots and nuts (if using). The batter should be thick and slightly moist.

7. Bake
   Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top.
   Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
   Allow to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

8. Prepare cream cheese glaze
   In a small bowl, whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1–2 tsp milk until smooth.
   Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Tips for Perfect Carrot Pound Cake

• Grate carrots finely for even texture and moisture.

• Room temperature ingredients ensure a smooth batter.

• Don’t overmix the batter once flour is added—overmixing can make the cake dense.

• Optional extras: Add ½ cup raisins or pineapple chunks for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as-is for a classic treat.

• Pair with a cup of tea or coffee for afternoon indulgence.

• For a festive touch, sprinkle extra chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze.

This carrot pound cake is moist, spiced, and perfectly sweet, with a tangy cream cheese glaze that adds richness and elegance. It’s ideal for family gatherings, tea time, or as a make-ahead dessert.