Name: Cream Cheese Filled Carrot Cake Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups grated carrots; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ⅓ cup powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Moist, spiced, and incredibly soft, this Cream Cheese Filled Carrot Cake Loaf is a cozy twist on a classic favorite. The tender carrot cake is studded with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, while the center hides a luscious, tangy cream cheese layer that tastes like cheesecake baked right inside. It’s a treat that feels both comforting and impressive, making it perfect for brunches, potlucks, or simply enjoying with your afternoon coffee.

The beautiful swirl of creamy filling contrasts perfectly with the golden-brown crumb of the loaf. Whether you serve it slightly warm or chilled from the fridge, each slice offers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. And don’t worry, it slices like a dream, holding its shape while keeping that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Filled Carrot Cake Loaf

If you love classic carrot cake but are looking for something a little more indulgent and convenient, this loaf version is your answer. It combines the best parts of carrot cake—moist crumb, rich spices, and that nostalgic sweetness—with a no-fuss format that bakes beautifully and travels well. The cream cheese layer adds that extra wow factor without the need for frosting.

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Carrots for This Recipe?

Technically, yes—but freshly grated carrots are worth the tiny bit of effort. Pre-shredded carrots tend to be drier and coarser, while grating your own ensures juicy shreds that keep the loaf moist and tender throughout.

Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Filled Carrot Cake Loaf

This loaf is built on pantry staples, but each ingredient plays a starring role in making it moist, flavorful, and rich.

Carrots bring natural sweetness and moisture that defines carrot cake.

All-purpose flour provides structure to hold the loaf together without being too dense.

Baking soda helps the loaf rise evenly with a light crumb.

Cinnamon and nutmeg deliver warm, comforting spice.

Salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

Brown sugar adds depth and a touch of molasses richness.

Granulated sugar sweetens without overpowering the spices.

Eggs bind the batter and give it a tender texture.

Vegetable oil ensures a moist, tender crumb throughout the loaf.

Vanilla extract brings aromatic depth to both the batter and cream cheese filling.

Cream cheese forms the rich, tangy layer that makes this loaf so special.

Powdered sugar sweetens the filling while keeping it smooth and creamy.

How To Make the Cream Cheese Filled Carrot Cake Loaf

Step 1: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Set aside while preparing the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Carrot Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, mix the eggs, both sugars, oil, and vanilla until well combined. Stir in the grated carrots, then fold in the dry ingredients just until incorporated.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the carrot cake batter into a greased loaf pan. Spoon the cream cheese filling over the top, spreading evenly but leaving a slight border around the edges. Top with the remaining carrot batter and gently swirl with a butter knife if desired.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve and Store This Loaf

This carrot cake loaf is a wonderful option for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack with coffee or tea. It feeds about 8 to 10 people depending on slice thickness. Serve it slightly warmed to enhance the aroma and creamy center or chill it for a firmer, cheesecake-like bite.

To store, wrap it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

What to Serve With Cream Cheese Filled Carrot Cake Loaf?

A cup of spiced chai tea

The cinnamon and cardamom notes will highlight the spices in the loaf beautifully.

Honey vanilla Greek yogurt

Served on the side, it adds a creamy and tangy balance.

Fresh berries

The tartness of raspberries or blackberries adds brightness to each bite.

Whipped mascarpone

Light and creamy with a hint of sweetness, perfect as a spread on top.

Hot caramel latte

For an extra-indulgent pairing, caramel and spice always play well together.

Toasted pecans or walnuts

Add a crunchy topping when serving for extra texture and nutty depth.

Vanilla ice cream

A scoop alongside a warmed slice makes it dessert-worthy without needing frosting.

Want More Loaf Cake Ideas?

If you love this carrot loaf, you’ll probably enjoy these other cozy and creative bakes:

• Butter Pecan Pound Cake for rich, nutty goodness.

• Ooey Gooey Butter Cake when you want melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.

• One Bowl Banana Chocolate Muffins if you’re looking for a snackable twist.

• Decadent Pistachio Cream Cake for something a bit more luxurious.

• Carrot Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze if you love carrot-forward desserts in different forms.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make the cream cheese layer extra thick? Did you sneak in pineapple or raisins?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Filled Carrot Cake Loaf is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors—spiced cake, creamy filling, moist crumb, and just enough sweetness to make it a hit for any occasion. It’s easy to make, stores well, and never fails to impress. Once you try a slice, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy carrot cake.