2CupsAll-purpose flour(For healthier version half whole wheat, half all-purpose)
1CupSugar, granulated
3/4CupVegtable oil
2TspBaking powder
1TspBaking soda
1TspCinnamon powder
1TspVanilla extract
1/2TspSalt
Cream Cheese Frosting
4ozCream cheese, softened(half pack)
2 TBSPButter, unsalted
2CupsPowder Sugarsifted
1TspVanilla extract
1DropGreen food coloringoptional
1DropOrange food coloringoptional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 F degrees, and grease a loaf pan or arrange parchment paper on a loaf pan.
In a large bowl mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt
Chop the carrots into small pieces and use a food processor to puree the carrots, and set aside
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until thoroughly combined.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, using a spatula to scrape as much of the liquid ingredients as you can from the food processor.
Add carrot puree into the batter using your spatula and combine with the rest of the ingredients, but don't over-mix.
Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting Instructions:
Using a stand or hand mixer, with medium speed, beat cream cheese, and butter until fluffy.
Sift powdered sugar, and mix until smooth.
Mix in vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
If decorating the petite carrots, set aside two portions of frosting, approximately 2-3 tablespoons each. Tint one portion with orange coloring and the other with green. Prepare piping bags or Ziploc bags with small openings to create the carrots.
Smoothly apply the remaining frosting onto the cooled carrot cake loaf.
Cool the loaf with the white frosting for at least 5 minutes before adding the little carrots design.
Enjoy immediately or serve when the frosting hardens a bit.