Carrot & Plum Loaf with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Carrot & Plum Loaf with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

carrot and plum loaf using Sasko Quick Treats pancake mix

*This recipe was developed for Sasko Flour, who approached me to find ways to use their products creatively. I agreed to this project as Sasko Flour products have been used in our house and my mother’s for so very many years. I’m pretty sure you have a packet of cake flour or self raising flour from them too *

This loaf is easy to whip up and and a good way to incorporate left over carrots and plums before they can’t be used. The cream cheese frosting is light and the lemon adds a zesty freshness, and is an unexpected delight. The loaf is dense and slightly crumbly and makes a lovely treat for the cooler weather we are experiencing with a hot cup of tea.

For this loaf I used Sasko Quick Treats Pancake Mix.

I have made this recipe a few times and as with all baking, your oven and its temperatures make a difference to baking times.

Ingredients

150 g butter, softened

150 g castor sugar

2 large free range eggs

25o ml milk

1 t vanilla essence

300 g Sasko Quick Treats Pancake Mix

1 1/4 t baking powder

2 small-medium, carrots peeled & finely grated

2 large plums, finely grated, skins on

Frosting

1 tub plain low fat cream cheese

1 t lemon essence or 1/2 t lemon extract

125 ml icing sugar (adjust to preference)

1 large unwaxed lemon, zested

Method

Pre heat oven to 180 degrees Celsius and grease a standard loaf pan.

Cream butter and sugar in a bowl till light and fluffy using a hand held whisk or wooden spoon – this may take up to 8 minutes.

Mix eggs, vanilla and milk together until combined.

Add half liquid to creamed butter and mix. Add remainder and mix well. Mixture may appear lumpy, but will smooth out when you add dry ingredients.

Sift Sasko Quick Treats Pancake Mix and baking powder into butter-egg mix. Mix well with a spatula.

Fold grated carrots and plums in.

Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 50- 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted into centre comes out clean.

Allow to cool for 15- 20 minutes in tin before removing. Let loaf cool on a wire rack.

For the frosting – beat all the ingredients (except zest) till smooth. Smooth cream cheese frosting over the loaf and sprinkle the zest over.