This easy homemade carrot bread is super moist and has a lovely sweetness from the carrots. It’s a treat for breakfast or a snack!
The best part? It fills your kitchen with a warm, cozy smell as it bakes. I like to enjoy a slice with a bit of butter. Yum! 🥕🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your bread. You could use whole wheat flour for added fiber, but you may need to adjust the liquid slightly since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
Granulated sugar: I love the sweetness this adds. If you’re looking for a healthier option, feel free to substitute with honey or maple syrup; just reduce the liquid in the recipe to compensate.
Vegetable oil: I usually opt for vegetable oil because it makes the bread moist. You can use melted butter for a richer flavor or coconut oil for a twist, but remember that melted butter will change the texture slightly.
Carrots: Fresh, finely grated carrots give the best texture. If you’re short on fresh, you can use pre-grated carrots or even baby carrots blended in a food processor!
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you’re not a nut fan or if allergies are a concern, you can leave them out entirely. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries also make a great addition.
How Do You Get the Perfect Moisture in Carrot Bread?
To ensure your carrot bread is moist and delicious, the ingredient ratio and mixing technique are key! Here’s how to nail the moisture:
- Start by measuring ingredients accurately, especially flour. Too much flour can make the bread dry.
- Add finely grated carrots as they add natural moisture and sweetness.
- If you’re using optional ingredients like crushed pineapple or yogurt, they enhance moisture. Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to dense bread.
- Check the doneness with a toothpick. It should come out clean but be careful not to overbake it!
Easy Homemade Carrot Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional for extra moisture)
- ¼ cup milk or yogurt (optional, for moistness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This carrot bread recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time and approximately 50-60 minutes of baking time. Once baked, allow for an additional 10 minutes of cooling in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. So, overall, plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, and you’ll have a delicious loaf ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is hot enough to create a beautiful, golden crust on the bread. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This combines the leavening agents evenly into the flour, so your bread rises beautifully.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender bread, not tough!
5. Fold in the Goodies:
Fold in the finely grated carrots, nuts, and drained pineapple (if you’re using it). If the batter feels too thick, you can add up to ¼ cup of milk or yogurt for extra moisture. Just mix until everything is evenly distributed.
6. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This helps it bake evenly.
7. Bake the Bread:
Place your loaf in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check it by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bread is done!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it and enjoy your delicious, homemade carrot bread!
This carrot bread is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Enjoy every comforting bite! 🥕🍞
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but you may need to slightly increase the liquid in the recipe since whole wheat absorbs more moisture. Start with the suggested amount and add a little more, if necessary, to achieve the desired consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Carrot Bread?
Store any leftover carrot bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it thaw at room temperature before slicing!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Bread?
Yes! Feel free to mix things up by adding other ingredients like raisins, cranberries, or even spices like nutmeg or ginger for a different flavor profile. You can also try using shredded coconut for a tropical twist!
What If I Don’t Have Eggs?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, you can use ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for each egg. This will help maintain moisture and binding in the bread, ensuring it turns out delicious!
