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Carrot Cake Coffee Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 145 reviews

This Carrot Cake Coffee Cake combines the warm spices and sweet shredded carrots of a classic carrot cake with the crumbly, buttery texture of a coffee cake. Topped with a smooth cream cheese layer and a spiced crumb topping, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Scale

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 Base

  • 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch or 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Grate Carrots: Finely grate 7 ounces of carrots and set them aside for later use in the batter.
  3. Make Crumb Topping: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon orange zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter using two forks or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Set the crumb topping mixture aside.
  4. Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate large bowl, beat 12 ounces room temperature cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add 1 egg and mix until fully combined. Set aside.
  5. Mix Dry Ingredients for Cake: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose 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, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup white granulated sugar until smooth and fluffy.
  7. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars until well incorporated.
  8. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and 1/2 cup plain yogurt (or sour cream) to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined but do not overmix.
  9. Fold in Carrots and Raisins: Gently fold in the finely grated carrots and 1/3 cup raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  10. Assemble the Cake: Spread the carrot cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Carefully spoon and spread the cream cheese layer on top of the carrot batter, avoiding the edges to prevent it from melting over the sides.
  11. Add Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the reserved crumb topping evenly over the cream cheese layer to create a crunchy, spiced topping.
  12. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached.
  13. Cool and Serve: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving to ensure clean cuts and enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Room temperature ingredients help achieve the best texture and even mixing.
  • Use fresh spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a more vibrant flavor.
  • Substitute raisins with chopped nuts or dried cranberries if desired.
  • Yogurt or sour cream adds moisture and tenderness; either works well.
  • Make sure not to overbake to keep the cake moist and soft.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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

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