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5.0 from 168 votes

Carrot Cake Coffee Cake

This delightful recipe is easy to follow and perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time
45 mins
Cook Time
45 mins
Total Time
1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 12 to 15 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Cake:
  • ¾ cup butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • ⅔ cup buttermilk (see note)
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups finely shredded carrots (see note)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • Pinch salt
  • ½ cup butter, melted
Cream Cheese Glaze:
  • 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 to 2 to 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9X13-inch baking pan and set aside. (If using a glass pan, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F.)
  2. For the cake, in a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla until evenly mixed.
  3. Add the shredded carrots and mix until evenly combined.
  4. Add the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg, and mix until no dry streaks remain and the batter is evenly combined (try not to over mix in this step).
  5. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
  6. For the streusel, in a medium bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and salt until evenly combined. Add the melted butter and mix well until small clumps form.
  7. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cake batter (depending on how long the mixed streusel has been left to sit, it's normal to have to break it into clumpy pieces to sprinkle int his step).
  8. Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes until the top springs back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Add time as needed (the exact time will vary a bit based on differing oven temperatures, pan types, etc.). If the streusel is browning too much but the cake needs more time, place a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the top of the cake while it continues baking. Let the cake cool until room temperature or slightly warm.
  9. For the glaze, in a medium bowl using an electric handheld or stand mixer, mix the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the vanilla and mix.
  10. Add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture is thick and creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Add milk to thin the consistency so it is thick but pourable.
  11. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cooled or just-warm cake OR drizzle over individual servings. The cake is delicious at room temperature or slightly warm.

Notes

  • Buttermilk: if you don't have storebought buttermilk on hand, whisking together equal parts milk and sour cream is my preferred substitute. 
  • Carrots: you'll need about 2 to 3 medium carrots for this recipe. I don't recommend using pre-shredded carrots from the produce section as they are too coarse/thick. I grate the carrots on the small holes of my food processor (no need to peel the carrots first). Lightly pack the shredded carrots into the measuring cup for the amount called for in the recipe. 
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Nutrition Information

Serving 1 piece of cake Calories 403kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 57g (19%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 11g (55%) Cholesterol 83mg (28%) Sodium 339mg (14%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 36g (72%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12to 15 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% Daily Value*

Serving 1 piece of cake
Calories 403kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 57g 19%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 83mg 28%
Sodium 339mg 14%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 36g 72%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.