Published 2/25/2024 Sometimes your morning coffee needs a companion, and this easy carrot coffee cake has been a go-to for me lately. The kids love it (almost as much as I do!), and we devour it in no time. Just make your streusel topping, combine your wet and dry ingredients, assemble, and bake!
What’s In Carrot Cake Coffee Cake
Rolled oats: we added rolled oats to the recipe to give the crumble topping some extra texture. Walnuts: chopped walnuts are also added to the topping to create more texture and flavor. Cinnamon: a staple in coffee cake and carrot cake, cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile. Shredded carrot: shredded carrots add moisture, color and nutrition to the cake. It’s also a great way to sneak in some veggies for those picky eaters! Light brown sugar: we opted for light brown sugar in this recipe for its molasses undertones and caramel flavor. Maple syrup: maple syrup adds a touch of natural sweetness and pairs well with the other flavors in this cake. Almond milk: this non-dairy milk adds moisture and a subtle nutty flavor to the batter.
What You’ll Need to Make It
8×8-inch cake pan: make sure you use the correct size pan to ensure that everything cooks evenly. This will also keep the cooking time accurate. Electric mixer: you’ll need an electric mixer to blend the batter and make sure everything is well incorporated. A hand mixer or stand mixer will also do the trick.
Variations and Substitutions
Got diet restrictions or missing a few things in your pantry? Not a problem! This moist carrot cake coffee cake is quite forgiving in terms of substitutions. If you’re allergic to nuts, make this good cake nut-free by omitting the walnuts and adding another ¼ cup of oats. If you’re vegan, swap out the eggs for flax eggs and use coconut oil instead of butter. Want to make it gluten-free? Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also use almond flour, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different.
Top Tips for Carrot Cake Coffee Cake
If you cannot shred the carrots yourself, we recommend roughly chopping already shredded carrots so that they are easier to incorporate into the batter. Do not overmix the batter. As with most cakes, overmixing can cause a tough texture and prevent the cake from rising properly. Use room temperature ingredients. This will help all the ingredients incorporate evenly and create a smoother batter.
Storage + Freezer Directions
Place any leftover carrot cake coffee cake in an airtight container and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. You could also store in the fridge for up to 1 week. To freeze, wrap the coffee cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
What to Serve with Carrot Cake Coffee Cake
Serve this delicious carrot cake coffee cake warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of cream cheese glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. You can also enjoy it plain alongside your morning cup of coffee or chai tea. For an elevated breakfast experience, serve this carrot cake coffee cake with our Fruit Salad Recipe or a side of Perfect Scrambled Eggs. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch or enjoying it as an afternoon snack, this delicious coffee cake is sure to be a hit!
