If you have a soft spot for moist, flavorful treats that bring a burst of natural sweetness and cozy spices together, this Carrot Bread Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender, warmly spiced bread studded with shredded carrots and crunchy walnuts, offering a mouthwatering texture that feels like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast, a delightful snack, or a charming addition to your tea time, this carrot bread covers all those cravings with style and ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make this Carrot Bread Recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected to bring the perfect combination of flavor, moisture, and texture that makes this bread shine.
- 2 cups all purpose flour: The essential base that holds everything together with a tender crumb.
- 1 cup sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the spices and carrots.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully, giving it a light texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon: Infuses warmth and depth, creating that irresistible aroma.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making each bite pop.
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: Adds a perfect blend of autumn spices for extra cozy vibes.
- 2 ½ cups grated carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots): Brings natural sweetness and moisture, plus a lovely orange hue.
- 3 large eggs: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the bread.
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil): Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
- ¼ cup milk: Balances the batter’s moisture and smoothness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a subtle, fragrant sweetness that rounds out the spices beautifully.
- ¾ – 1 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft bread.
How to Make Carrot Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect temperature to allow your carrot bread to bake evenly. Lightly butter and flour a loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick and comes out with a smooth, beautiful crust. Having the pan ready in advance helps the process flow effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisking these together evenly distributes the leavening and spices, which is key to consistent flavor and texture throughout your bread.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the grated carrots, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. This mix ensures the bread will be incredibly moist and aromatic, with the carrots lending a lovely natural sweetness and softness.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry into Wet Mixture
Add half of the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and gently stir to combine. Then, incorporate the remaining dry ingredients, scraping the sides of the bowl as you go, so everything blends evenly. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and soft instead of dense.
Step 5: Add the Walnuts
Stir in the chopped walnuts carefully to distribute their crunch throughout the batter. These walnuts will add a satisfying texture contrast that makes each slice so much more interesting.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and place it on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Your carrot bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This step guarantees a perfectly cooked interior that isn’t gooey or dry.
How to Serve Carrot Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Carrot bread tastes amazing as-is, but why not level it up? A simple spread of softened butter or a smear of cream cheese complements the savory sweetness beautifully. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, sweet finish that’s perfect for guests.
Side Dishes
When serving this bread as part of a meal, it pairs wonderfully with hearty soups, vibrant salads, or even a creamy cheese plate. The moist and slightly sweet flavors of the bread balance savory dishes effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing and toasting the bread for a crunchy but tender snack. You can also cut it into small cubes and use it to top yogurt or ice cream, turning your carrot bread into a delightful dessert or breakfast bowl highlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your carrot bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and fresh without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, carrot bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in foil and place it in a freezer bag. It’s best used within two months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring your carrot bread back to life, warm it gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes or pop individual slices in the toaster. This helps restore the delightful softness and aroma that makes the bread so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?
Yes, you can use melted butter instead of vegetable oil for a richer flavor, but keep in mind it will change the texture slightly, making the bread a bit denser and less moist.
Do I need to peel the carrots before grating?
Peeling is optional. Some prefer peeling to avoid any bitterness, but well-washed carrots work just fine and add a bit more fiber to your bread.
Can I add raisins or other dried fruits?
Absolutely! Adding raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates can add extra bursts of sweetness and texture that complement the carrot and walnut wonderfully.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s designed for baking, but results may vary slightly in texture. Just be sure your leavening agents are gluten-free, too.
How long does carrot bread stay fresh?
At room temperature, your carrot bread will stay fresh for about three days when stored properly. Refrigerating it can extend freshness up to a week but may dry it out, so warming before serving is recommended.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Bread Recipe is one of those comforting classics that’s simple to make yet delivers layers of flavor and texture you’ll want to enjoy again and again. I genuinely can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll discover how a humble loaf of bread can make your day brighter with each delicious slice.
Print
Carrot Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 slices)
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful Carrot Bread is a delightful twist on traditional quick bread, packed with grated carrots, warm spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack, it combines simple pantry ingredients with fresh produce to create a comforting loaf that pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ¾ –1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly butter and flour a loaf pan to prevent sticking, then set it aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisk these together until fully blended.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another large bowl, stir together the grated carrots, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Combine Batter: Add half of the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir gently to combine. Then add the remaining half of the flour mixture, scraping the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully mixed and a uniform batter forms.
- Add Walnuts: Pour the chopped walnuts into the batter and stir until they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the buttered and floured loaf pan and smooth out the top.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the center of the preheated oven on the middle rack. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy.
Notes
- For added moisture, you can substitute half of the vegetable oil with applesauce.
- Ensure carrots are finely grated for a smooth texture in the bread.
- Walnuts can be omitted or replaced with pecans if preferred.
- This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Adjust spices to taste; pumpkin pie spice is optional but adds a warm autumnal flavor.
