Philadelphia Carrot Loaf
A moist, flavorful carrot loaf with creamy cheese, warm spices, and crunchy pecans, perfect for brunch or tea time, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, nutty desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine softened cream cheese and sugar, mixing until well blended.
- Blend in eggs, milk, and vanilla.
- Add combined dry ingredients, mixing just until moistened.
- Stir in shredded carrots, chopped pecans, and raisins.
- Pour into a greased and floured 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your cream cheese is very soft before mixing. You can substitute Greek yogurt for some of the cream cheese if desired. If you're out of pecans, walnuts or almonds can work well, and feel free to omit the raisins or use dried cranberries for a twist. Adjust the cinnamon to your taste if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Philadelphia Carrot Loaf is delightful on its own, but you can enhance it with a cream cheese glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or a bowl of soup, similar to offerings from A Good Simple Dessert.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, slice the loaf and warm pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Philadelphia Carrot Loaf contains roughly 488 calories, with 9g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (116% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and iron (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 983mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this loaf ahead of time?
Absolutely! This carrot loaf can be made a day in advance. Just let it cool completely, wrap it tightly, and store it at room temperature or in the fridge. The flavors will develop even more overnight, making it taste even better when served.
Can I freeze this carrot loaf?
Yes, you can freeze this loaf! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to three months. To enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for each egg. Alternatively, a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes) also works well to provide binding without the eggs.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).