Fast Dessert RecipesFastDessertRecipes
Pumpkin Carrot Date Cake With Cream Cheese Glaze
CakeMedium

Pumpkin Carrot Date Cake With Cream Cheese Glaze

Recipe by lounarecipes

From the Blog Author

This Pumpkin Carrot Date Cake With Cream Cheese Glaze is one of my favorites because it brings back memories of cozy kitchen afternoons with my grandma and my own first bake‑off win. I love how the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger mingle with fresh pumpkin and shredded carrot for a moist, earthy sweetness that feels like a hug in a slice. The dates keep the cake naturally sweet and add a subtle caramel depth that balances the tangy cream cheese glaze nicely. It’s a quick 45‑minute bake, so on a busy weekday I can still put a fruity, comforting dessert on the table. The crumb is soft, and the glaze sets up into a silky finish that melts on the tongue. One tip I learned from a handful of batches: fold in the dates after the dry ingredients. That keeps them from breaking apart and gives a slightly crunchy burst of sweetness that’s perfect on top of the glaze. When I make this cake for family gatherings, the aroma of pumpkin and citrus lifts the room and everyone feels instantly cherished. It’s become our secret holiday treat that brings celebrations to life. If you try this, I’m excited to hear how it turned out. Email me with your tweaks or just to say hello—your feedback smells like the smell of sugar and pumpkin in my kitchen!
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
55 minutes
Servings
10
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped dates
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoons milk

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan or 9-inch round pan with parchment paper.

2

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; set aside.

3

In a large bowl, cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4

Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.

5

Mix in pumpkin puree and milk until smooth.

6

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.

7

Gently fold in grated carrots and chopped dates.

8

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

9

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

10

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

11

For the cream cheese glaze, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth; add milk as needed to reach a drizzle-able consistency.

12

Drizzle glaze over the cooled cake before serving.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
DEIME Air Fryer 3 Qt, Small Airfryer Digital Space Saving Compact, Bake, Reheat, Roasts for Quick Easy Meals, Mini Compact & Quiet, Nonstick & Dishwasher Safe Basket (Black)
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
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3
Ninja | Air Fryer | 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity fits 9lbs of Wings | 6-in-1 Max Crisp, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Reheat & Dehydrate | Nonstick Basket, Crisper Plate & Recipe Guide | Grey | AF181
• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I properly store this Pumpkin Carrot Date Cake to keep the cream cheese glaze fresh?

Store the Pumpkin Carrot Date Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese glaze. If refrigerating, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can I substitute the butter in this cake recipe with oil for a moister result?

Yes, you can substitute the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter with an equal amount of a neutral oil, like canola or vegetable oil, for a slightly moister crumb. Since the recipe relies on creaming the butter with the sugars, you should mix the oil directly with the sugars until just combined, rather than creaming them thoroughly.

What is the best way to check if my Pumpkin Carrot Date Cake is fully baked after 55 minutes?

To ensure this medium-difficulty cake is done after the 55-minute bake time at 350°F (175°C), insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf or round pan. It should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, indicating it's ready to cool.