Copycat Salt and Straw Carrot Cake Ice Cream Recipe

5

What if I told you that Salt & Straw, the iconic ice cream shop known for its wacky yet delicious creations, has reinvented carrot cake into pure frozen magic? And the best part? You can recreate this Salt and Straw Carrot Cake in your own kitchen!

How to make Salt and Straw Carrot Cake

Salt & Straw Carrot Cake is a specialty dessert from Salt & Straw—and it’s basically a carrot cake turned into an indulgent ice cream cake.

Ingredients

For the Carrot Cake

• 1 ½ cups grated carrots
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup crushed pineapple (drained)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Ice Cream Base

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Carrot Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until light and creamy. Gradually add vegetable oil and vanilla extract; mix well.
4. Fold in the grated carrots, pineapple, and walnuts, then gradually incorporate the dry ingredients until just combined.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let the cake fully cool before slicing it into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting

1. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth and fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated and creamy.
3. Spread a thin layer of frosting over the carrot cake cubes or set aside to swirl into the ice cream later.

Step 3: Make the Ice Cream Base

1. In a saucepan, heat the cream, milk, and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves; do not boil.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until frothy and pale. Gradually temper the hot cream mixture into the yolks by adding a small amount at a time while whisking constantly.
3. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring, until the base thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 170°F).
4. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and allow the mixture to cool completely. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Assemble the Ice Cream

1. Churn the Ice Cream Base: Pour the chilled ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Swirl and Layer: Once the ice cream reaches a thick consistency, fold in the carrot cake cubes and cream cheese frosting in layers. You can either mix them completely for a uniform flavor or keep visible swirls and chunks for texture.

Step 5: Freeze and Serve

1. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 4–6 hours to set fully. Scoop, serve, and enjoy your homemade Salt & Straw-inspired treat!

Tips for Success

• Roast Your Carrots: To deepen the flavors, roast your grated carrots in the oven with a bit of honey or brown sugar before adding them to the batter.
• Pineapple Substitute: If you prefer a less fruity flavor, swap the crushed pineapple with applesauce for added moisture.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg make a huge difference—they’ll elevate the flavor dramatically.
• Chill Everything: Keep your ice cream base and mix-ins chilled before combining to prevent melting during assembly.
• Experiment with Swirls: Don’t be afraid to play with how you layer the frosting and cake—more swirls equals more fun!

What to serve with

Salt & Straw Carrot Cake ice cream is already an indulgent treat, but pairing it thoughtfully can take its flavor profile and presentation to new levels!

• Pair with Homemade Cinnamon Rolls: The gooey, buttery goodness of cinnamon rolls complements the spiced carrot cake flavor in the Salt and Straw Carrot Cake ice cream beautifully. Serve warm cinnamon rolls with a scoop of Salt and Straw Carrot Cake ice cream placed right on top—it will melt slightly and create a heavenly combination.
• Serve on Warm Brownies or Blondies: For chocolate lovers, a fudgy brownie or blondie makes an excellent base for this Salt and Straw Carrot Cake ice cream. The bittersweet cocoa notes will balance the sweetness of the ice cream, adding richness to every bite.

Ingredients Substitutes

Cooking and baking don’t always go as planned—you might find yourself without a key ingredient, or maybe you’re catering to dietary preferences or restrictions. The beauty of homemade desserts like Salt and Straw Carrot Cake ice cream is the flexibility to customize the recipe while keeping the signature flavors intact.

Grated carrots

Carrots are the star of the show, but if you’re out of fresh carrots or want to experiment, try these alternatives:

• Zucchini: Grated zucchini adds moisture without altering the overall flavor. Perfect if you’re aiming for a vegetable-packed dessert.
• Pumpkin: Use roasted and mashed pumpkin for a fall-inspired variation. Pumpkin purée can replace grated carrots directly in the same quantity for a slightly sweeter flavor profile.
• Sweet Potatoes: Grate cooked sweet potatoes as an alternative. They deliver a subtly sweet, earthy taste similar to carrots.

Crushed Pineapple

The crushed pineapple in the Salt and Straw Carrot Cake provides moisture and a hint of fruity sweetness. Substitute with:

• Apple Sauce (Unsweetened): Adds moisture and a mild sweetness that complements the warm spices.
• Mashed Bananas: Use ripe, mashed bananas as another fruity option, though you’ll notice a stronger banana flavor.
• Diced Pears: Canned or fresh, finely chopped pears work well to mimic the texture of pineapple.

Chopped Walnuts (Optional)

If you’re avoiding nuts or prefer a different crunch, try these alternatives:

• Pecans: Pecans are an easy swap for walnuts and add a slightly buttery flavor to the cake.
• Sunflower Seeds: For nut-free households, sunflower seeds provide a similar texture without the allergens.
• Pumpkin or Hemp Seeds: These crunchy seeds give a nut-like texture but are allergy-friendly and nutritious.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil in the carrot cake batter creates moisture and tenderness. Substitute with:

• Coconut Oil: This adds a subtle tropical vibe and richness to the cake. Melt it before using.
• Olive Oil: A neutral, light olive oil works well and adds a hint of earthiness.
• Butter (Melted): For a richer flavor, use melted unsalted butter in the same quantity as the oil.
• Greek Yogurt: Use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt to cut down on fat while keeping the cake moist.

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour is versatile, but alternative flours can cater to specific needs:

• Gluten-Free Flour Blend: If gluten is a concern, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Whole Wheat Flour: For a heartier, more nutritious cake, swap out half (or all) of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
• Almond Flour: Use almond flour for a nutty, grain-free option. You may need to adjust the moisture levels accordingly.

Granulated Sugar

Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but other options can enhance flavor:

• Brown Sugar: This swap deepens the flavor with slight molasses notes. Use the same amount as granulated sugar.
• Coconut Sugar: Offers a natural sweetness and slight caramel undertones. It’s less processed and works as a healthier alternative.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: These liquid sweeteners can replace sugar, but you’ll need to reduce the liquid content in the recipe slightly.

Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger)

If you find yourself missing one or more spices, you can still achieve a similar flavor profile:

• Pumpkin Spice Blend: Pre-blended pumpkin spice contains cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, making it an easy substitute.
• Cardamom: For a unique twist, add a pinch of cardamom to the batter for citrusy, floral undertones.
• Chinese Five-Spice: Although more robust, this blend contains cinnamon and complements carrot cake spices.

Final Thoughts

Salt & Straw Carrot Cake ice cream is a unique dessert that pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of complementary dishes and drinks.

More Carrot Cake Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese
• Homemade Costco Carrot Cake Recipe