Spiced Carrot Coffee Cake with Honey Butter Drizzle
Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of carrot cake combined with the delightful crumbly texture of coffee cake. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds, creating a moist, delicious cake that's perfect for any occasion.
Forget grating mountains of carrots! We're using a food processor to make this a breeze. The base is a simple batter loaded with carrots, warm spices, and a touch of butter for richness. And of course we can't forget the generous layer of buttery streusel and a luscious honey butter glaze.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy Prep: No need to fuss with grating, the food processor does the work for you.
- Flavorful: The perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and a hint of tang.
- Texture: The moist cake contrasts beautifully with the crumbly streusel.
- Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 large carrots, peeled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- 1/4 cup softened butter
- 1/4 cup honey
Instructions
- Prep the Carrots: Pulse peeled carrots in a food processor until finely chopped. No grating required!
- Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Stir in the chopped carrots. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt and mix until just combined. The batter will be thick.
- Prepare the Streusel: In a small bowl, mix together melted butter, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Use your hands to get a crumbly, pebble-like texture.
- Bake: Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper. Spread the batter evenly in the pan and sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Honey Butter Drizzle: While the cake is cooling, mix together softened butter and honey. When the cake is slightly warm, drizzle with the honey butter.
Tips for Success
- Don't Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid a tough cake.
- Use Fresh Spices: For the best flavor, make sure your spices are fresh.
- Customize: Add nuts to the streusel or a cream cheese frosting instead of honey butter for variation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different size pan?
A: Yes, an 8-inch or 9-inch square pan will work, or even a smaller rectangular baking dish. Adjust baking time as needed.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: You can try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, or experiment with half almond flour but understand that this will change the final texture of the cake.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes, this can be made a day ahead. Store in an airtight container to keep the cake moist.
Make It Your Own
- Nuts: Add walnuts or pecans to the streusel or batter for extra flavor and texture.
- Frosting: Replace the honey butter with a cream cheese frosting for a more traditional carrot cake flavor.
- Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a warmer flavor.
This Spiced Carrot Coffee Cake is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a healthier alternative to many cakes while still providing a comforting and satisfying treat. Enjoy!