Description
These Mini Carrot Cake Loaves are moist, flavorful, and perfectly portioned individual carrot cakes. Made with grated carrots, pineapple, warming spices, and optional nuts, these loaves bake quickly and can be topped with creamy cream cheese frosting for an irresistible dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups finely grated carrots
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease four mini loaf pans to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Add Carrots and Pineapple: Stir in the finely grated carrots and drained crushed pineapple into the wet mixture, ensuring they are well incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the loaves tender.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill Loaf Pans: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared mini loaf pans, smoothing the tops gently.
- Bake: Place the loaf pans in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating doneness.
- Cool Loaves: Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove them and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Frosting: Once completely cooled, frost the loaves with cream cheese frosting if desired for a classic finish.
Notes
- These mini loaves freeze well—wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
- For added texture and flavor, mix in raisins or shredded coconut.
- You can use store-bought or homemade cream cheese frosting to top the loaves.
