This Easy Moist Carrot Bread is a delicious treat packed with sweet carrots, warm spices, and a hint of cinnamon. It’s perfect for breakfast or a lovely afternoon snack!
Trust me, the smell while baking will make your kitchen feel cozy. I love slathering mine with butter—it’s a slice of happiness on a plate! 🥕💛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your bread. You can swap it for whole wheat flour for more fiber but it may make the bread denser.
Carrots: Fresh grated carrots bring moisture and sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, you can use store-bought pre-grated carrots, or even substitute with zucchini, squeezing out excess moisture.
Oils: Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist, but melted coconut oil adds a great flavor. You could also use applesauce as a healthier alternative for part of the oil.
Nuts: The optional walnuts or pecans add crunch. If you have nut allergies, simply omit them or use seeds like sunflower seeds instead.
What’s the Best Way to Grate Carrots for the Perfect Texture?
Grating carrots properly ensures they blend well into the batter. Use the medium side of a box grater for a good size that retains some texture. Here’s how to get it right:
- Wash and peel the carrots. Cut off the ends before grating.
- Hold the grater securely and grate the carrots in long strokes, turning as needed to use the whole carrot.
- If you’re using a food processor, the grating attachment will do the job quickly and evenly.
For the best moisture balance, try to measure your grated carrots after grating them!
Easy Moist Carrot Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional, for extra moisture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. Allow for some additional cooling time after baking, so total time to enjoy your carrot bread is around 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then sprinkle flour to coat. Alternatively, you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Make sure everything is blended well, as this will help your bread rise evenly.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat them together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Then, add in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
4. Combine Both Mixtures:
Now, gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Do this gently to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread tough. Just mix until you can’t see any dry flour.
5. Add Carrots and Optional Ingredients:
Next, fold in the freshly grated carrots, and if you’re using them, add the chopped nuts and crushed pineapple. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it up and enjoy it plain or with softened butter or cream cheese spread.
Enjoy your moist and flavorful carrot bread! It’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert! 🥕🍞
FAQ for Easy Moist Carrot Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that the bread might be denser, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of liquid if the batter seems too thick.
How Should I Store Leftover Carrot Bread?
Store any leftover carrot bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Other Ingredients, Like Raisins or Chocolate Chips?
Yes, you can definitely mix in raisins, chocolate chips, or even shredded coconut for added flavor and texture. Just keep the total amount of add-ins to about 1 cup to ensure the bread still bakes properly!
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use a “flax egg” (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce for each egg. These will help keep the bread moist and bind the ingredients together.
