Easy, Super Moist, and Festive Christmas Carrot Cake Loaf with Gingerbread Cookies
This festive Christmas carrot cake recipe is perfect for the holidays, this festive cake is shaped as a loaf, featuring a rich brown butter and brown sugar base spiced with cinnamon. Topped with a velvety cream cheese frosting, dusted with cinnamon, and adorned with adorable mini gingerbread cookies, this easy-to-make carrot cake is the perfect holiday dessert to brighten your table!
Why should you make this festive carrot cake Christmas recipe:
Looking for the perfect holiday dessert? This super yummy Christmas carrot cake is everything you need! Made with brown butter, brown sugar, and a dash of cinnamon and ginger, it’s rich, moist, and full of festive flavor. Topped with cream cheese frosting, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and adorable mini gingerbread cookies, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a cozy treat, this cake will steal the show. Easy to make, super festive, and absolutely delicious — what’s not to love?
The inspiration for this dish:
Carrot cake has always held a special place in my heart, with its moist layers of warmth and the comforting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. As the holiday season approached, I wanted to transform my favorite cake into something festive and magical—perfect for cozy winter gatherings.
I imagined my carrot cake as a little winter wonderland, blanketed in soft, fluffy snow made of cream cheese frosting. But it needed more holiday cheer! I crafted tiny gingerbread men to stay on top of the snowy loaf and piped delicate chocolate carrots, each sprouting a little festive green leaf.
To complete the scene, I sprinkled cinnamon like a soft dusting of holiday magic, giving it the perfect cozy touch. This festive carrot cake loaf isn’t just a dessert; it’s a story on a plate—a tribute to my love for carrot cake, dressed up in holiday spirit to share joy and sweetness with everyone around me.
What equipment do i need to make a festive Carrot cake?
- Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing carrot cake batter, cream cheese frosting, and chocolate decorations.
- Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: A must-have for making a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons or a Kitchen Scale: Ensure precise measurements for your moist carrot cake recipe.
- Loaf Pan or Cake Tin: Ideal for baking your carrot cake loaf.
- Parchment Paper: To line the loaf pan and prevent sticking.
- Grater: To shred fresh carrots for the carrot cake.
- Pan for Browning Butter: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to your Christmas carrot cake.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the gingerbread cookie dough.
- Gingerbread Cookie Cutters: Create cute mini gingerbread men for festive cake toppings.
- Baking Sheet and Silicone Mat: For baking the gingerbread cookies evenly.
- Piping Bags with Nozzles: For decorating the cake with elegant swirls of frosting.
- Small Saucepan: For melting chocolate.
- Food Coloring and Toothpicks: To add orange and green accents to the chocolate carrots.
Click here to buy all the products we used to make this delicious Carrot cake Christmas recipe
List of ingredients for this Christmas carrot cake recipe:
What ingredients do you need to make a carrot cake?
- Brown Butter: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the cake’s depth and gives it a warm, cozy taste—perfect for the holidays.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the carrot cake moist and tender, ensuring it has the perfect texture.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and achieve a light, airy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: A key spice in carrot cake, it infuses the cake with warmth and holiday aroma.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake, balancing the natural sweetness of the carrots.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a slight molasses flavor, making the cake more tender and flavorful.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure, helping the cake rise and stay fluffy.
- Fresh Carrots: The star ingredient, adding moisture, sweetness, and a subtle earthiness to the cake.
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of the cake and helps it hold its structure.
- Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth, creamy texture in the frosting and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese.
- Cream Cheese: The tangy, rich base of the frosting, adding a creamy consistency and a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting, making it easy to pipe and spread on the cake.
- Gingerbread Man Cookies: Add a festive touch to the cake, bringing charm and whimsy. These cookies are perfect for decorating the top, making the cake extra special for the holiday season.
- Chocolate carrots
Previous preparation before baking
- Wash, peel, and grate the carrots ahead of time. Freshly grated carrots will ensure a moist cake and save you time when mixing the batter.
- Brown the butter before you start baking. This adds a nutty, caramel flavor to the cake and allows the butter to cool while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Bring the cream cheese and butter to room temperature for a silky-smooth frosting. Make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time to keep things efficient and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to decorate.
- For fun and festive decorations, use orange food coloring (or mix red and yellow to make orange) to tint melted white chocolate. Pipe carrot shapes, let them set, and top each with a mint leaf for a realistic touch.
- Grease the baking pan with cooking oil, then use wet, wrinkled parchment paper to adhere it to the pan. This ensures easy release and perfect edges for your carrot cake loaf.
- Measure all your ingredients in advance using a kitchen scale or measuring cups and spoons. This makes mixing faster and reduces the chance of errors.
- To simplify the process, make a large batch of gingerbread cookie dough, cut it into gingerbread man shapes, and freeze the unbaked cookies. When ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven and use them as adorable decorations for your carrot cake.
These tips not only save you time but also ensure that your festive carrot cake is made efficiently and with ease. By preparing your ingredients and decorations ahead of time, you’ll have more time to enjoy decorating and sharing your Christmas dessert masterpiece.
Common questions on how to make this Carrot cake Christmas recipe?
How can I make a carrot cake without brown butter?
Use vegetable oil ( sunflower oil, coconut oil, extra Virgin olive oil, olive oil ) or melted butter but you’ll miss the nutty flavor that brown butter provides.
Can I use pre-shredded carrots for a carrot cake recipe?
Yes, but fresh grated carrots are better as they retain more moisture and flavor, which helps keep the cake tender and delicious.
Can I make this carrot cake recipe without eggs?
Yes! Substitute each egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas for a vegan alternative.
How can I make this carrot cake gluten-free or dairy-free?
Use a gluten-free baking flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour and dairy-free cream cheese and butter for the frosting.
How do I make chocolate carrots for decorating the cake?
Melt white chocolate, mix in food coloring (orange and green), and pipe the shapes using a small piping bag. Let them harden before adding to the cake. You can also use mint leafs for the green part of the carrot.
What can I use instead of cream cheese for the frosting?
Mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese are great substitutes. Alternatively, you can make a buttercream frosting if cream cheese isn’t available.
What’s the best way to make smooth cream cheese frosting for carrot cake?
Use room-temperature cream cheese and butter, beat them together until creamy, then gradually add powdered sugar to prevent lumps.
How do I adjust this recipe for cupcakes or mini carrot cakes?
Check in our website our carrot cake muffins recipe!
Best tips on how to make this festive carrot cake Christmas recipe:
Tips for cake batter:
—Always grate fresh carrots for the best moisture and texture. Pre-shredded carrots are often too dry and coarse. Use the fine side of a box grater for a smoother batter.
—Take the extra step to brown the butter. It adds a nutty, caramel-like depth that makes this carrot cake extra special and holiday-worthy. Let it cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients.
—Use measuring cups for dry ingredients and or kitchen scale for accuracy if possible. Over-measuring flour or sugar can make the cake dense or overly sweet.
—Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Over mixing develops gluten, which can lead to a dense cake instead of a tender crumb.
—Including vegetable or coconut oil ensures the cake stays moist, even after being refrigerated. A mix of oil and brown butter gives the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
—Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Overbaking dries out the cake.
Cream cheese frosting tips:
—Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, creamy frosting without lumps.
—If the frosting is too soft, chill it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before piping or spreading it on the cake. Or it will melt, like it happened to us because it was too warm in the house and a very sunny day.
How to garnish and decoration tips before serving:
Start by creating a snowy base, using cream cheese frosting, you could also use shredded coconut or powdered sugar for the white snow look. Add carrots made out of chocolate and little gingerbread mans.
If you wanna try something different, crush walnuts and spread them on top of the snowy base as well as some freshly grated carrot. Cranberries, festive sprinkles or edible gold are really good options too.
YouTube video recipe on how to make :
Recipe for Christmas Carrot Cake
Recipe in cups and grams. You can find the cup measurements in the printable recipe scrolling down at the end.
Ingredients
cake batter
- 70 grams brown butter
- 80 grams sunflower oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 60 grams granulated sugar
- 90 grams brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 175 grams grated carrots
- 130 grams all purpose flour
frosting
- 120 grams soft butter
- 280 grams cream cheese
- 480 grams powdered sugar
decorate
- gingerbread man cookies
- cinnamon
- chocolate carrots
carrots
- 30 grams white chocolate
- orange food coloring or red and yellow food coloring
Step by step, make a
1) step one, make cream cheese frosting
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy with no lumps. After five minutes, add the soft room temperature cream cheese. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid spills. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to high and whip until the frosting is light and fluffy. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the frosting to keep it firm and ready for spreading or piping later.
2) step two, brown the butter
In a small saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch closely as the butter melts, foams, and then turns golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning and pour it into a heatproof bowl to cool completely. Brown butter adds a deep, rich flavor to the cake, so don’t skip this step!
3) step three, mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sunflower oil until fully combined. Add the cooled brown butter and mix well. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Finally, fold in the grated carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4) step four, Combine the Dry Ingredients and Mix Together
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger to remove any lumps and ensure even mixing. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet carrot mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
5) step five, prepare the baking pan
Grease a loaf pan with cooking oil or butter. Wet a sheet of parchment paper under the tap, wring out the excess water, and wrinkle it. Press the parchment into the pan to fit snugly, making it easier to release the cake once baked.
6) step six, bake the cake
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7) step seven, make chocolate carrots
Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler until smooth. Add orange food coloring, or mix red and yellow to create an orange hue. Transfer the chocolate to a piping bag and pipe small carrot shapes onto a sheet of parchment paper. Allow the chocolate to set completely, then add a fresh mint leaf to the top of each carrot for a decorative touch.
8) step eight, decorate the carrot cake Christmas recipe
Once the cake is completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Add mini gingerbread man cookies on top for a festive look, standing them upright or laying them flat. Place the chocolate carrots around the cake to highlight the carrot theme. For extra flair, dust the top with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar.
9) step nine, serve and enjoy
Slice your Christmas carrot cake and serve with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. This festive dessert is sure to be a showstopper at your holiday celebrations!
Thank you!
Carrot cake Christmas Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls: Perfect for preparing carrot cake batter, cream cheese frosting, and chocolate decorations.
- Stand Mixer or Electric Hand Mixer: A must-have for making a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons or a Kitchen Scale: Ensure precise measurements for your moist carrot cake recipe.
- Loaf Pan or Cake Tin: Ideal for baking your carrot cake loaf.
- Parchment Paper: To line the loaf pan and prevent sticking.
- Grater: To shred fresh carrots for the carrot cake.
- Pan for Browning Butter: Adds a rich, nutty flavor to your Christmas carrot cake.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the gingerbread cookie dough.
- Gingerbread Cookie Cutters: Create cute mini gingerbread men for festive cake toppings.
- Baking Sheet and Silicone Mat: For baking the gingerbread cookies evenly.
- Piping Bags with Nozzles: For decorating the cake with elegant swirls of frosting.
- Small Saucepan: For melting chocolate.
- Food Coloring and Toothpicks: To add orange and green accents to the chocolate carrots.
Ingredients
cake batter
- 70 grams brown butter
- 80 grams sunflower oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 60 grams granulated sugar
- 90 grams brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 175 grams grated carrots
- 130 grams all purpose flour
frosting
- 120 grams soft butter
- 280 grams cream cheese
- 480 grams powdered sugar
decorate
- gingerbread man cookies
- cinnamon
- chocolate carrots
carrots
- 30 grams white chocolate
- orange food coloring or red and yellow food coloring
Instructions
step one, make cream cheese frosting
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy with no lumps. After five minutes, add the soft room temperature cream cheese. Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid spills. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to high and whip until the frosting is light and fluffy. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the frosting to keep it firm and ready for spreading or piping later.
step two, brown the butter
- In a small saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch closely as the butter melts, foams, and then turns golden brown, releasing a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning and pour it into a heatproof bowl to cool completely. Brown butter adds a deep, rich flavor to the cake, so don’t skip this step!
step three, mix the wet ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sunflower oil until fully combined. Add the cooled brown butter and mix well. Stir in the granulated sugar and brown sugar, whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Finally, fold in the grated carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
step four, Combine the Dry Ingredients and Mix Together
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger to remove any lumps and ensure even mixing. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet carrot mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and fluffy.
step five, prepare the baking pan
- Grease a loaf pan with cooking oil or butter. Wet a sheet of parchment paper under the tap, wring out the excess water, and wrinkle it. Press the parchment into the pan to fit snugly, making it easier to release the cake once baked.
step six, bake the cake
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
step seven, make chocolate carrots
- Melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler until smooth. Add orange food coloring, or mix red and yellow to create an orange hue. Transfer the chocolate to a piping bag and pipe small carrot shapes onto a sheet of parchment paper. Allow the chocolate to set completely, then add a fresh mint leaf to the top of each carrot for a decorative touch.
step eight, decorate the carrot cake Christmas recipe
- Once the cake is completely cool, spread or pipe the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Add mini gingerbread man cookies on top for a festive look, standing them upright or laying them flat. Place the chocolate carrots around the cake to highlight the carrot theme. For extra flair, dust the top with a light sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar.
step nine, serve and enjoy
- Slice your Christmas carrot cake and serve with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. This festive dessert is sure to be a showstopper at your holiday celebrations!
Nutrition
Archersfood
archersfood
