Carrot and Oat Loaf Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Carrot and Oat Loaf Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

**Ingredients:**

**For the Cake:**
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
– 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

**For the Cream Cheese Glaze:**
– 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1-2 tablespoons milk
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Chopped nuts for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the brown sugar until evenly distributed.

3. **Mix the Wet Ingredients:**
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, yogurt or sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. **Combine and Fold:**
– Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
– Fold in the grated carrots, raisins or dried cranberries, and chopped nuts if using.

5. **Bake the Cake:**
– Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
– Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
– Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze:**
– In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
– Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until combined.
– Add the milk and vanilla extract, and mix until the glaze is smooth and pourable.

7. **Glaze the Cake:**
– Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top.
– Sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.

8. **Serve:**
– Slice and enjoy your Carrot and Oat Loaf Cake with a delicious cream cheese glaze.

This cake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The combination of oats, carrots, and dried fruit makes it both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy your baking!