Easter Brunch Made Easy with These Make-Ahead Recipes

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Glazed Carrot Cake Loaf

This tender, spice-kissed carrot cake loaf is packed with shredded carrots, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, then finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze. Moist and flavorful, it’s the perfect make-ahead treat for Easter morning. Soft, spiced, and topped with a silky glaze, this carrot cake loaf is a stress-free way to bring a touch of sweetness to your celebration! 

Ingredients (for 8-10 servings):

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  

For the Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in shredded carrots.
4. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, then add nuts if using.
5. Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 45-50 min., or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. For the glaze, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.