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Carrot Cake Coffee Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 58 reviews

This Carrot Cake Coffee Cake is a deliciously moist and flavorful dessert combining the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the freshness of grated carrots and a creamy cream cheese layer. Topped with a crumbly, buttery topping enlivened with orange zest, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet coffee break treat.

Ingredients

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Crumb Topping

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar (or dark)
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

Carrot Cake Batter

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg (room temperature)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 7 oz. finely grated carrots
  • 1/3 cup raisins

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 12 oz. cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9×9 inch or 8×8 inch square pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Grate: Finely grate 7 ounces of carrots and set them aside for later use in the cake batter.
  3. Make Crumb Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon orange zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using two forks or a pastry cutter, cut in 1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Set this crumb topping mixture aside.
  4. Create Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat 12 oz cream cheese, 1/2 cup white sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add 1 egg and mix until fully combined. Set aside for later layering.
  5. Prepare Dry Ingredients for Cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Set this dry mix aside.
  6. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature), 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup white granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy using a mixer or wooden spoon.
  7. Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugars until well incorporated.
  8. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry flour mixture and 1/2 cup plain yogurt to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined without overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  9. Add Carrots and Raisins: Fold in the finely grated carrots and 1/3 cup raisins into the batter until evenly distributed.
  10. Spread Batter: Pour and spread the carrot cake batter evenly into the prepared pan, smoothing the top.
  11. Add Cream Cheese Layer: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the carrot batter layer, avoiding the edges to prevent it from leaking during baking.
  12. Top with Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the prepared crumb topping evenly over the cream cheese layer to create a crunchy, flavorful crust.
  13. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with only a few moist crumbs attached.
  14. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving to allow layers to set.

Notes

  • For moist cake, ensure carrots are finely grated and do not overmix the batter.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
  • The cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • You can substitute raisins with chopped walnuts or pecans if preferred.
  • For a tangier flavor, use sour cream instead of yogurt.
  • Make sure to avoid spreading cream cheese layer too close to the pan edges to prevent leakage during baking.

Keywords: carrot cake, coffee cake, crumb topping, cream cheese layer, breakfast cake, spiced cake

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/carrot-cake-coffee-cake-recipe/