Moist Carrot Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Streusel and Glaze
A tender, spiced coffee cake studded with fresh grated carrots that add natural sweetness and moisture. The cinnamon streusel topping provides delightful texture contrast while a simple vanilla glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. This cake strikes an ideal balance between the warmth of cinnamon and the subtle earthiness of carrots, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Unlike traditional carrot cakes, this version focuses on simplicity and the pure flavor of carrots without overwhelming spices or heavy frosting.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flourwhole wheat flour3/4:1whole grain
denser texture
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups carrots, shredded (grate your own, not pre-shredded)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flourwhole wheat flour3/4:1whole grain
denser texture
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ¾ cup nuts, chopped (walnuts or pecans)(optional)
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven and spray round pan with cooking spray
- 2
Stir sugar, oil, and egg in large bowl
- 3
Stir in baking powder, salt and cinnamon
- 4
Stir in milk
- 5
Stir in flour until just combined
- 6
Stir in shredded carrots
- 7
Make crumb topping by stirring together brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and butter
- 8
Add nuts if desired to streusel
- 9
Pour batter into prepared pan
- 10
Top with streusel
- 11
Bake until toothpick comes out clean
- 12
Cool completely in pan before frosting
- 13
Make drizzle by whisking powdered sugar, vanilla and cream
- 14
Drizzle over cake as desired
Tips
Grate carrots yourself rather than using pre-shredded for better moisture and texture in the final cake.
Cool the cake completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting and running off.
Test doneness with a toothpick in the center, as the carrots can make visual cues less reliable.
Good to Know
Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can be made 1 day ahead without glaze. Add glaze just before serving.
Serve at room temperature. Cut into wedges and pair with coffee or tea.
Common Mistakes
Overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake texture.
Use freshly grated carrots to avoid excess moisture from pre-shredded varieties.
Cool completely before glazing to prevent melting and running.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this without the streusel topping?
Yes, you can omit the streusel for a simpler cake. The baking time may be slightly less, so check doneness at 25 minutes.
What if I don't have heavy cream for the glaze?
You can substitute milk for a thinner glaze or use more powdered sugar and just vanilla extract for a thicker consistency.
How long will this cake keep fresh?
The cake stays fresh for 3 days at room temperature covered, or up to a week refrigerated. The glaze may soften over time.