Carrot cake is a beloved classic, traditionally baked in round pans. But celebrity chef James Martin has given this favorite a fresh spin by transforming it into a loaf cake. His no-butter carrot loaf cake has won rave reviews from baking fans, earning over 230 five-star ratings for its moist texture and rich flavor.
This recipe yields 8 to 10 generous slices—an ideal accompaniment to a relaxing afternoon tea. As the recipe suggests, “Who can resist a slice of moist, frosting-topped carrot cake with a warming cuppa?” For those planning ahead, the cake can be frozen without the frosting, preserving its delicious moistness for later enjoyment.
Ingredients:
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 50g sultanas
- 150ml sunflower oil
- 2 eggs
- 140g soft light brown sugar
- 85g wholemeal self-raising flour
- 85g self-raising flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground mixed spice
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 140g grated carrots
- 50g walnuts
- 200g soft cheese (cream cheese)
- 50g softened butter
- 85g icing sugar
- A pinch of ground cinnamon
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Method:
Begin by combining the orange zest, juice, and sultanas in a microwave-safe bowl. Warm on medium power for 1-2 minutes to plump the sultanas.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and prepare a 2lb loaf tin by greasing and lining it with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugars, flours, mixed spice, cinnamon, and baking soda. Add the warmed sultanas with their juice, grated carrot, walnuts, and beaten eggs. Stir thoroughly until the batter is fully combined.
Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and bake on the middle rack for about 1 hour, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the tin.
For the frosting, use an electric whisk to cream together butter, cinnamon, and icing sugar until smooth. Add the cream cheese and whisk gently just until combined, taking care not to overbeat to avoid a runny texture.
Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake and decorate with walnut halves.
Enjoy your delicious carrot loaf cake immediately, or store leftovers in the fridge due to the cream cheese frosting. This moist, spiced loaf is a perfect sweet treat for any occasion or a charming homemade gift.