Carrot Coffee Cake Recipe

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Cook Time: 35 minutes

Original recipe (1X) yields 12 servings

Ingredients

Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup salted butter, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups freshly finely shredded carrots
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Streusel:

• 1 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Glaze:

• 3 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup confectioner's sugar
• 1 tablespoon whole milk, or more as needed

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with foil, and coat the foil with cooking spray.
2. For the batter, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the sour cream, then white sugar, and brown sugar. Continue beating until smooth.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the shredded carrots and vanilla extract.
6. Fold in the flour mixture with a rubber spatula until just combined. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. It will be shallow, but will rise as it bakes.
7. For the streusel, combine chopped walnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Stir in melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
8. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift it out using the edges of the foil.
11. For the glaze, beat together the cream cheese and butter in a small bowl until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, followed by the powdered sugar. Gradually add enough milk to achieve a drizzling consistency.
12. Serve the coffee cake warm or at room temperature. Drizzle the glaze over the cake, or over individual servings.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount
Calories	557
Total Fat	33g (42%)
Saturated Fat	16g (82%)
Cholesterol	100mg (33%)
Sodium	388mg (17%)
Total Carbohydrates	62g (23%)
Dietary Fiber	2g (7%)
Total Sugars	43g
Protein	6g (12%)
Vitamin C	1mg (2%)
Calcium	142mg (11%)
Iron	2mg (10%)
Potassium	202mg (4%)

The Story Behind Carrot Coffee Cake

Carrot coffee cake is an evolution of traditional coffee cake recipes that gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century. Coffee cakes themselves trace back to European baking traditions, particularly German and Scandinavian, where cakes were often paired with coffee for breakfast or afternoon tea. The addition of grated carrots likely came from carrot cake influences, which date back to medieval Europe when sugar was scarce and carrots were used as a natural sweetener. Over time, the marriage of carrot cake flavors with the soft, crumbly texture of coffee cake created a beloved hybrid dessert that balances sweetness, spice, and moistness.

Regional Variations

While carrot coffee cake is commonly found across the United States, regional variations highlight local tastes. In the Midwest, it often features a dense texture with a generous walnut streusel topping, reflecting the areas love for nutty desserts. On the East Coast, some recipes incorporate raisins or pineapple for added moisture and flavor. West Coast versions may lean toward a lighter cake with a cream cheese glaze, emphasizing presentation and balance of sweetness. Regardless of the region, the core concept of combining carrots, spices, and a tender crumb remains consistent.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Unlike classic carrot cake, which is typically layered with thick cream cheese frosting, carrot coffee cake is a single-layer cake with a streusel or crumb topping. It is also less sweet and slightly denser, designed to be served alongside coffee or tea rather than as a formal dessert. Compared to plain coffee cake, the presence of carrots and warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg adds depth and a moist texture, distinguishing it from its simpler counterparts.

Where It Is Commonly Served

Carrot coffee cake is most often served during breakfast, brunch, or afternoon gatherings. It is a popular choice for spring and Easter celebrations due to its vibrant color and light texture. Cafs and bakeries frequently offer it as a grab-and-go treat with morning coffee, while home bakers prepare it for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend brunch buffets. Its versatility makes it suitable for both casual and slightly more formal occasions.

Interesting Facts

• The original carrot cake recipes used carrots as a substitute for sugar during times when sweeteners were expensive or scarce.
• Carrot coffee cake often incorporates a streusel topping, which originated in Germany as streusel, meaning something scattered, and refers to the crumbly texture.
• The combination of carrots and cream cheese glaze provides a natural balance of sweetness and tang, making it less cloying than many desserts.
• Some bakers add finely grated apples or pineapple to enhance moisture without altering the traditional carrot flavor.
• It has become a symbolic brunch dessert in many American households, often paired with seasonal fruits or a light coffee for a perfect morning treat.

FAQ about Carrot Coffee Cake Recipe