Why You’ll Love High Protein Carrot Cake Loaf Recipe

It’s a wholesome take on dessert: by using cottage cheese and protein powder, it boosts protein while staying deliciously sweet and moist.
It keeps the beloved warm spices of carrot cake—cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice—with authentic carrot cake flavour.
Condensed and smart: one loaf, straightforward ingredients, ideal for brunch, snack time or post‑workout fuel.
Customisable for dietary needs: the author offers gluten‑free flour suggestions and options for nut‑free or raisin‑free add‑ins.
It pairs well with both casual everyday and special‑occasion settings—easily dressed up with icing or kept simple for a lighter snack.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Carrot Cake Loaf Ingredients

2 eggs
½ cup coconut sugar
½ cup cottage cheese
½ cup olive oil
1 tsp vanilla
1¼ cup all‑purpose flour
¼ cup vanilla protein powder
2½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp nutmeg
⅛ tsp allspice
½ tsp salt
1 cup grated carrot (packed)
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
½ cup golden raisins (optional)

Protein Cream Cheese Icing Ingredients

250 g cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup vanilla protein powder
¼ cup maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla
pinch salt

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and coconut sugar until smooth. Slowly whisk in olive oil, then add cottage cheese and vanilla.
In a separate bowl, mix flour, protein powder, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
Stir in grated carrots, walnuts, and raisins (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the loaf completely on a wire rack before icing.

To make the frosting:
9. Beat cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth. Add protein powder, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt, and beat until creamy.
10. Spread the icing over the cooled loaf. Store any extra frosting in an airtight container.

Servings and timing

Yield: 8 servings
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: 40–45 minutes
Total time: ~50–55 minutes (plus cooling time)

Variations

Use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Omit the nuts or raisins to suit dietary preferences or simplify texture.
Replace the protein powder with more flour (note: texture and nutrition will change).
For a vegan-friendly version (not tested), try flax eggs and dairy-free cream cheese.
Serve plain, or with frosting for a more indulgent treat.

Storage/Reheating

Unfrosted loaf: Store wrapped at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Frosted loaf: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freezing: Slice and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before eating.
Reheating: Best served room temperature or chilled. If warming, do so gently to avoid melting the frosting.

FAQs

What type of protein powder should I use?

Use a high-quality vanilla protein powder with a mild flavor and minimal artificial ingredients.

Can I omit the protein powder altogether?

You can try replacing it with extra flour, though the recipe was developed with protein powder in mind, so texture may vary.

Are the walnuts and raisins required?

No, they’re optional. You can leave them out if you prefer a nut-free or simpler loaf.

Can I make this vegan?

Not tested, but you could experiment with flax eggs and dairy-free substitutes for the frosting.

Does the carrot skin need to be removed?

No, as long as the carrots are clean and tender, you can leave the skin on. Grate finely for the best texture.

How do I know when the loaf is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.

Can I make this loaf into muffins or cupcakes?

Yes. Fill muffin tins and bake at 350°F for about 18–22 minutes. Watch closely as bake times may vary.

How do I prevent the frosting from becoming runny?

Ensure the loaf is fully cooled before frosting, and use cold cream cheese and yogurt.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes. Slice the loaf and freeze in a sealed container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Can I serve this without the frosting?

Absolutely. It’s delicious on its own as a snack or breakfast loaf.

Conclusion

This High Protein Carrot Cake Loaf brings the classic comfort of carrot cake with a nutritious twist. Protein-packed and warmly spiced, it fits perfectly into any routine—whether you’re reaching for something satisfying post-workout, during a cozy weekend brunch, or simply craving a guilt-free dessert. Easy to make, easy to enjoy, and even easier to customize.