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This homemade carrot bread stands out with its moist texture and rich blend of warm spices that perfectly complement the natural sweetness of fresh carrots.
It’s a nourishing choice that balances wholesome ingredients like shredded carrots, eggs, and walnuts, offering a good dose of fiber and plant-based protein.
The inclusion of healthy fats from vegetable oil and walnuts adds heart-friendly omega-3s, making this bread a smarter option than typical sugary treats.
With moderate sugar content and a generous serving of carrots, it delivers essential vitamins like Vitamin A while remaining satisfying and guilt-free.
The straightforward preparation makes it ideal for everyday baking—whether as a grab-and-go breakfast, a wholesome snack, or a comforting dessert.
Plus, its shelf life and ease of slicing when cooled make it perfect for meal prepping, ensuring you have a nutritious, flavorful option ready whenever hunger strikes.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
9 x 5-inch Loaf Pan
This standard-sized pan shapes your carrot bread into perfect slices, promoting even baking. Its versatility also makes it great for meatloaf, pound cakes, and other classic loaf recipes, a must-have for any home baker.
Mixing Bowls
Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients separately, mixing bowls allow for smooth, even blending. Durable, multi-purpose bowls are useful beyond baking, ideal for salads, marinating, or whipping batters.
Cheese Grater (Coarse Side)
Perfect for shredding carrots quickly and uniformly, this tool ensures the bread’s texture is moist and consistent. A coarse grater is also great for cheese, zucchini, and other veggies, making it a kitchen staple.
Parchment Paper
Used to line the loaf pan, parchment paper prevents sticking and makes clean-up effortless. It’s a versatile tool for baking cookies, roasting veggies, or steaming fish, protecting cookware and preserving food integrity.
Moist and Spiced Carrot Bread
Equipment
- 1 9 x 5-inch Loaf Pan
- 2 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Cheese Grater (coarse side)
- Parchment Paper (for lining)
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 ½ cups shredded carrots
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Prepare Your Baking Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature by the time your batter is ready. While the oven is warming, take a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper. To do this, cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the bottom and sides of the pan, then gently press it in so it fits snugly. This lining will prevent the bread from sticking and make it easier to remove once baked, preserving its shape beautifully.
- Combine Dry Ingredients Thoroughly: In a medium mixing bowl, carefully measure and add the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking soda, 1 ½ teaspoons of ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. Use a whisk to blend these components evenly. Whisking incorporates air and evenly distributes the leavening agent and spices, ensuring your bread rises uniformly and has a consistent flavor throughout.
- Prepare the Wet Mixture: Next, grab a large mixing bowl to combine the wet ingredients. Start by adding 2 ½ cups of freshly shredded carrots—shredded on the coarse side of a grater for optimal texture. Then crack in 3 large eggs, ensuring no shells fall in. Add ¾ cup of vegetable oil, which keeps the bread moist and tender, ¼ cup of milk to provide a slight creaminess, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a subtle sweetness and aroma. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to gently stir all these ingredients together until they are fully combined and smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet Mix: Slowly add the dry ingredients from Step 2 into the wet mixture. Pour a little at a time, folding gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Folding is crucial—it means you carefully mix by turning the batter over itself without vigorous stirring, which helps prevent overworking the gluten in the flour. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread. Keep folding until the dry ingredients are just incorporated; the batter should be thick but not overly stiff.
- Fold in the Walnuts for Crunch: Once your batter is smooth and combined, it’s time to add texture and flavor with ¾ cup of chopped walnuts. Sprinkle them evenly over the batter, then gently fold them in. The walnuts provide a delightful crunch that contrasts the soft, moist crumb of the bread. Folding ensures the nuts are distributed evenly without breaking apart too much.
- Transfer Batter and Bake with Care: Pour the prepared batter into the parchment-lined loaf pan, using a spatula to scrape every bit from the bowl. Smooth the top gently to create an even surface, which helps the bread bake uniformly. Place the loaf pan on the center rack of your preheated oven, where heat circulates best. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, but start checking for doneness at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Test for Doneness Precisely: To confirm the bread is baked through, insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, your bread is perfectly baked.If there’s wet batter, continue baking and check again every 5 minutes. Ovens vary, so this step is essential to achieve a moist but fully cooked bread.
- Cool Before Slicing for Best Texture: Remove the loaf pan from the oven carefully using oven mitts and place it on a wire rack. Let the carrot bread cool completely in the pan—this usually takes about 1 hour. Cooling allows the bread to set and makes slicing easier without crumbling. Once cool, lift the bread out using the parchment paper edges, place it on a cutting board, and slice into 16 even pieces for serving or storage.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded carrots for the best moisture and flavor; avoid pre-shredded carrots if possible.
- If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, substitute with extra cinnamon or apple pie spice.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender and fluffy—mix just until the ingredients come together.
- Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slicing.
- Baking times can vary by oven, so start checking doneness about 10 minutes before the suggested time.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and maintain texture.
- Walnuts add crunch but can be swapped for pecans or omitted for a nut-free version.
Chef’s Secrets for Moist Bread
The key to a moist and flavorful carrot bread lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients and gentle mixing.
Using freshly shredded carrots ensures the bread has a natural sweetness and moist crumb.
Incorporating oil instead of butter provides consistent moisture and keeps the texture tender.
One crucial tip is to avoid overmixing the batter—fold the ingredients just until combined to prevent gluten development that can lead to toughness.
Also, lining the loaf pan with parchment paper is a simple trick to avoid sticking and helps in easy, clean removal.
Finally, letting the bread cool completely allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing cleaner and neater.
These techniques ensure each slice melts in your mouth with perfect flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions to Enjoy Bread
Carrot bread is incredibly versatile and pairs well with both sweet and savory accompaniments.
For breakfast, try it toasted with a spread of cream cheese or nut butter for added protein and richness.
It also makes a delightful snack alongside a cup of herbal tea or coffee.
For a light dessert, top slices with a drizzle of honey or a smear of mascarpone cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
If you want to boost your nutrition, serve carrot bread with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt.
Its moist texture and warm spices also complement fall and winter gatherings beautifully, making it a crowd-pleaser at brunches and potlucks.
Storage Tips to Keep Freshness
To maintain freshness, wrap the cooled carrot bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days this way.
For longer storage, refrigerate the bread in a sealed container for up to a week, but allow slices to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Alternatively, carrot bread freezes beautifully—wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
Frozen slices can be thawed overnight in the fridge or warmed gently in a toaster or microwave for a quick treat any time.
Proper storage preserves moisture and flavor, ensuring every bite tastes fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carrot Bread
1. Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose?
Yes, you can replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour, but expect a denser texture and nuttier flavor. To keep the bread tender, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
2. How do I shred carrots quickly?
Using the coarse side of a box grater works best. For even faster shredding, a food processor fitted with a shredding disk can save time and effort.
3. Can I omit the nuts?
Absolutely! If you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version, simply leave out the walnuts. The bread will still be moist and flavorful.
4. Why is my carrot bread dry or crumbly?
Overbaking or overmixing can cause dryness. Make sure to check for doneness early and mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined.
5. Can I add other mix-ins like raisins or pineapple?
Yes, dried fruits like raisins or crushed pineapple complement carrot bread well. Add about ½ to 1 cup, folded in with the walnuts or in place of them, to add extra moisture and sweetness.
This recipe is inspired by spendwithpennies and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
