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How to Make Cinnamon Roll Carrot Cake Bread from Scratch

How to Make Cinnamon Roll Carrot Cake Bread from Scratch

Short on time but want something special? This quick recipe for cinnamon roll carrot cake bread delivers big flavor. Give it a go.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)
  • ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional, for moisture
  • )For the Cinnamon Swirl Filling:
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, very soft
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • For the Cream Cheese Swirl:
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. Actionable Tip: This "parchment sling" method ensures you can effortlessly lift the moist bread out of the pan without it crumbling.

  2. Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

    In a medium mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Whisking aerates the flour, acting as a quick sifting method that prevents dense pockets in your baked loaf.

  3. Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients and Carrots

    In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Gently fold in your freshly grated carrots (and nuts, if using) using a silicone spatula. Finally, fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined. Actionable Tip: Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour streaks to ensure a tender crumb.

  4. Step 4: Create the Signature Cinnamon Swirl

    In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until it forms a wet, sandy paste. This thick consistency prevents the swirl from completely dissolving into the batter during the baking process.

  5. Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Batter

    Pour half of the carrot cake batter into your prepared loaf pan. Drop spoonfuls of the cinnamon swirl mixture evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top. Using a butter knife or wooden skewer, swirl the batter by drawing figure-eights through the pan.

  6. Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

    Bake for 50-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before using the parchment sling to transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

  7. Step 7: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Frosting

    While the bread cools, use an electric hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla, beating until smooth. Drizzle generously over the cooled bread.

Notes