Introduction
Is there anything more comforting than the warm, sweet aroma of a fresh coffee cake baking in the oven? Now imagine combining that with the nostalgic, spiced flavors of carrot cake. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible Carrot Cake Coffee Cake — a perfect fusion of two beloved desserts. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a new dessert, or just want something special with your morning coffee, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
In today’s post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create the perfect Carrot Cake Coffee Cake — from ingredients to baking tips, FAQs, and even some helpful external resources to level up your baking game. Let’s dive in..Cottage Cheese Cheesecake
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Coffee Cake
- Moist and tender crumb thanks to the shredded carrots and Greek yogurt.
- Warm, cozy spices that pair perfectly with your morning coffee.
- A delightful crumb topping that adds just the right amount of crunch.
- Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, snack, or dessert.
- Easy-to-follow recipe suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this perfect Carrot Cake Coffee Cake is simple when you gather the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 ½ cups finely shredded carrots
For the Crumb Topping
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Optional Cream Cheese Drizzle
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Carrot Cake Coffee Cake
Step 1 — Prepare the Crumb Topping
Start by making your crumb topping so it’s ready to go. In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and stir until crumbly. Set aside.
Step 2 — Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures even distribution of the leaveners and spices.
Step 3 — Cream Wet Ingredients
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and Greek yogurt..Banana Oat Bars
Step 4 — Incorporate Carrots and Dry Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the shredded carrots.
Step 5 — Assemble and Bake
Pour half of the batter into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Sprinkle half of the crumb topping. Pour remaining batter, then top with remaining crumb mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6 — Drizzle (Optional)
Once cooled, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled coffee cake.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Carrot Cake Coffee Cake
- Use fresh carrots: Pre-shredded carrots can be dry and tough.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
- Measure flour correctly: Spoon into your measuring cup and level off to avoid too much flour.
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and yogurt are at room temperature for better mixing.
Variations and Substitutions
Make It Healthier
- Swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
- Substitute applesauce for some of the butter to reduce fat.
Add-Ins
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Raisins or dried pineapple for a tropical twist.
- A dash of cardamom for a more exotic spice profile.
Gluten-Free Option
Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Stays fresh for up to a week.
- Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat as needed..Cottage Cheese Banana Bread
Perfect Occasions to Serve
- Easter brunch
- Mother’s Day breakfast
- Holiday gatherings
- Office potlucks
- Sunday family breakfast
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice (1/12) | 320 | 15g | 42g | 5g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use oil instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute melted coconut oil or vegetable oil for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Can I make this in a loaf pan?
Absolutely! You may need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure it bakes evenly.
Can I prepare this the night before?
Yes! You can fully bake it and store overnight, or prep the batter and crumb separately and assemble before baking.
Can I add pineapple like in traditional carrot cake?
Yes, but reduce some of the yogurt to accommodate the extra moisture from pineapple.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Completely! Freeze fully cooled cake slices tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.
Can I skip the crumb topping?
Technically yes, but you’ll miss out on that signature coffee cake texture.
Helpful Resources for Better Baking
Here are some helpful external resources to level up your baking knowledge:
- King Arthur Baking: Measuring Flour Correctly
- Serious Eats: Why Room Temperature Ingredients Matter
- America’s Test Kitchen: How to Make a Perfect Crumb Topping
Conclusion
This Carrot Cake Coffee Cake truly offers the best of both worlds — the familiar, cozy flavors of carrot cake with the tender crumb and delightful crunch of a classic coffee cake. It’s the perfect treat for any occasion and sure to impress your friends and family.
Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying something new, this easy recipe delivers outstanding results every time. Don’t forget to experiment with add-ins and toppings to make it uniquely yours. Happy baking!
Name: Carrot Cake Coffee Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- Prepare the crumb topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- In another bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Stir in vanilla and Greek yogurt.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in shredded carrots.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle with half the crumb topping.
- Add remaining batter, then top with remaining crumb topping.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely. Prepare drizzle by mixing cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cake.