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Carrot Cake Coffee Cake combines the best of both dessert and breakfast worlds: moist, cinnamony carrot cake with the crumbly, buttery topping of a classic coffee cake. It’s easy to make, delightfully textured, and perfectly sweet—not to mention it’s topped off with a rich honey butter that melts into every bite. Ideal for springtime brunches or cozy afternoon treats with a cup of coffee.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

Cake Batter:

2 large carrots (about 1½ cups grated)
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup butter, melted
2 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Streusel Topping:

4 tablespoons butter, melted
½ cup flour
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Optional Honey Butter (for serving):

¼ cup very soft butter
¼ cup honey

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment.
Grate the carrots using a food processor or box grater.
Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Stir in grated carrots. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mix just until combined. Batter will be thick.
Make the streusel: In a separate bowl, mix together all streusel ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse pebbles.
Assemble and bake: Spread the cake batter evenly in the pan. Sprinkle streusel over the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve: Let cool slightly. For extra indulgence, mix honey butter and spread over warm slices.

Nutrients (Approximate per slice, without honey butter)

Calories: ~280
Fat: ~14g
Carbohydrates: ~36g
Sugar: ~22g
Protein: ~3g
Fiber: ~1g
Sodium: ~180mg

A Perfect Marriage of Cake Styles

Carrot cake is known for its earthy sweetness, moist crumb, and nostalgic charm. Coffee cake, on the other hand, is revered for its streusel topping—crunchy, sweet, and full of buttery cinnamon flavor. Bringing them together in one cake is a stroke of brilliance. The natural sweetness and texture of the carrots, the richness of the butter and eggs, and the warmth of cinnamon create a balanced base that pairs beautifully with the sugary crunch of the topping.

Unlike traditional carrot cakes that are often frosted with cream cheese, this version keeps things simpler and more rustic with its crumb topping. That makes it easier to serve, less messy to transport, and more versatile as both a breakfast and dessert option. The honey butter is a subtle nod to indulgence, melting into the warm cake to add richness without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Perfect for Any Time of Day

This cake’s appeal lies in its versatility. It’s sweet but not overwhelmingly so, making it just as appropriate for breakfast or brunch as it is for dessert. Paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea, it makes for an indulgent morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up. The warmth of the cinnamon and the heartiness of the grated carrots give it an almost rustic quality that feels right at home at any time of day.

The texture is also worth highlighting. The carrot-infused crumb is dense and moist, not dry or overly crumbly, which makes each bite satisfying and flavorful. Meanwhile, the streusel provides a delightful contrast, adding crunch and a burst of brown sugar and spice in every forkful. The honey butter takes the experience to another level, especially when spread over a slice while the cake is still warm from the oven.

A Seasonal Favorite That’s Also Timeless

While this Carrot Cake Coffee Cake is a natural fit for spring—especially around Easter or Mother’s Day—it’s not limited to a specific season. The ingredients are pantry-friendly and available year-round, so you can enjoy this treat whenever the craving strikes. The subtle sweetness and spice make it especially appealing during the cooler months, but its lightness also allows it to shine during warmer days.

This cake is also great for sharing. Whether you’re serving it at a casual get-together, contributing to a bake sale, or simply baking to brighten someone’s day, it’s a crowd-pleaser. It travels well, slices neatly, and stays moist for days, making it ideal for events and gatherings.

Simple Ingredients with Big Impact

What makes this cake even more special is how easily it comes together with just a few everyday ingredients. Carrots are the star, providing not only flavor and moisture but also a subtle sweetness that means you don’t have to overload the batter with sugar. The flour and eggs provide structure, while the melted butter ensures a rich, tender crumb.

The streusel topping, though simple in composition, adds an extraordinary depth of flavor. Brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter form a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake beneath it. Each component is designed to enhance the other, making the cake feel both homey and indulgent.

A Beginner-Friendly Bake with Impressive Results

This recipe is straightforward and accessible, making it perfect for beginner bakers. There’s no need for fancy tools or techniques—just some mixing bowls, a grater, and a cake pan. The batter is forgiving, and the streusel is delightfully imperfect by nature. It’s the kind of cake that invites you to get your hands a little dirty and enjoy the process.

Even the optional honey butter is easy to prepare, requiring just two ingredients and a quick stir. It adds a final touch of elegance that feels luxurious without being complicated. You can make the cake from start to finish in under an hour, which makes it an ideal last-minute dessert or spur-of-the-moment baking project.

Customizable to Suit Your Taste

One of the joys of baking is making a recipe your own, and this cake offers plenty of room for creativity. You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture and flavor. For a slightly more tropical twist, mix in a bit of shredded coconut or pineapple. Love spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for more complexity.

If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider replacing some of the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or using a smaller amount of honey in place of the honey butter. You can also try using whole wheat flour for a more wholesome version, or even swap out the butter with a plant-based alternative to suit a dairy-free diet.

Ideal for Freezing and Make-Ahead Meals

Another advantage of this Carrot Cake Coffee Cake is its freezer-friendliness. You can bake the whole cake, let it cool completely, and then freeze slices individually for future enjoyment. Just reheat in the microwave or toaster oven for a warm, comforting treat anytime.

It also keeps well at room temperature for up to two days, and in the fridge for up to a week, making it a great option for make-ahead breakfasts or desserts. The flavor deepens over time, and the crumb stays tender, making leftovers just as good as the first slice.

A Crowd-Pleasing Addition to Any Table

Carrot Cake Coffee Cake looks just as good as it tastes. The golden brown streusel topping gives it a rustic, bakery-style appearance that feels welcoming and homemade. It’s the kind of cake that belongs on a big wooden table surrounded by mugs of coffee and happy chatter.

Because it doesn’t require frosting or layering, it’s an excellent cake for novice bakers or those looking to keep things simple but impressive. Slice it into wedges and serve warm with a pat of honey butter, or top it with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few slivers of toasted almonds for added flair.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Coffee Cake is a delightful fusion of cozy comfort and everyday indulgence. With its moist, cinnamon-scented crumb and golden streusel topping, it captures everything we love about carrot cake and coffee cake in one simple, satisfying recipe. The addition of honey butter elevates it to a treat worthy of holidays, brunches, and everything in between.

Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven on a quiet morning, sharing it with guests during a festive brunch, or enjoying a leftover slice in the afternoon, this cake brings warmth and joy to any moment. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again—and you’ll never look at carrot cake or coffee cake the same way again.

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