This easy homemade carrot bread is soft, moist, and packed with sweet flavors! With fresh carrots and warm spices, it’s a delightful treat for breakfast or snack time.
There’s just something special about how the carrots make it super moist. I like to toast a slice with butter for a cozy kick! You can’t go wrong with this one! 🥕🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: The base of this bread, it gives structure and texture. You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, or a gluten-free flour blend if you’re gluten-sensitive. Just make sure your blend includes a binding agent.
Carrots: Freshly grated carrots add flavor and moisture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-packaged shredded carrots. Baby carrots can work too, but they should be grated finely to maintain the bread’s texture.
Eggs: They’re essential for binding. For a vegan version, substitute with 1/4 cup applesauce per egg or use flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). This gives a nice lift and moisture!
Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist. You can swap it with melted coconut oil for a different flavor or even unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch. If you’re not a fan, you can skip them entirely or use seeds like sunflower seeds for added crunch without the nuts.
How Do I Ensure My Carrot Bread Is Moist and Fluffy?
Getting that perfect moisture and fluffiness in your carrot bread is key. Here are some tips:
- Grate the carrots finely. This helps them blend well into the batter and retains moisture.
- Don’t overmix your batter! Mix just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Using crushed pineapple adds moisture and sweetness but make sure to drain it well to avoid excess liquid.
- Let the bread cool properly. Cooling in the pan helps it set up nicely and keeps it moist.
Following these tips will surely yield a deliciously fluffy and moist carrot bread that your family will love! Enjoy baking!
Easy Homemade Carrot Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry 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 (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 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
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 to 4 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional, for extra moisture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious carrot bread will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, give it a little time to cool before slicing, making the total time around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, prepare your loaf pan by greasing and flouring it, or 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, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will help evenly distribute the leaveners and spices throughout your bread.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs until they’re fluffy. Then, add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined and smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
5. Add Carrots and Optional Ingredients:
Gently fold in the grated carrots. If you’re using chopped nuts and crushed pineapple, now is the time to add those too! Mix just until combined.
6. Pour the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Don’t worry if it seems thick—that’s normal!
7. Bake the Bread:
Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, you can lightly cover it with foil.
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling.
9. Slice and Serve:
Once completely cooled, slice the bread and serve it plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese. Enjoy your homemade carrot bread!
10. Storage:
This carrot bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. Perfect for a quick snack or breakfast treat!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Carrot Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, the bread may be denser, so you might want to reduce the amount slightly (about 1.5 cups) and consider adding a tablespoon of vital wheat gluten for better texture.
How Do I Store Leftover Carrot Bread?
Store your leftover carrot bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Can I Adjust the Amount of Sugar in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can reduce the sugar by up to 1/2 cup if you prefer a less sweet bread. Alternatively, using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup is also an option, but you may need to adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
What’s the Best Way to Grate Carrots for This Recipe?
Using a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment works best! Just make sure to finely grate the carrots so they incorporate well into the batter, and ensure any large pieces are broken down for even baking.
