This Easy Moist Carrot Bread is a delightful treat that’s packed with fresh carrots, making it moist and sweet. It’s perfect for snacking or breakfast!
I love how simple it is to whip up. Just mix the ingredients, pop it in the oven, and enjoy the yummy smell while it bakes! 🥕🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bread. If gluten is a concern, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried almond flour too, and it adds a nice nutty flavor!
Carrots: Fresh, finely grated carrots are essential for moisture and sweetness. If you don’t have fresh ones, store-bought pre-grated carrots work, but they can be a bit thicker.
Oils: I typically use vegetable oil for its neutral taste. If you prefer, melted coconut oil is a great alternative. It adds a slight coconut flavor but keeps the bread moist.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you have nut allergies, you can omit them altogether or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Pineapple: The crushed pineapple adds moisture and a hint of sweetness. If you don’t have it, just replace the amount with an equal amount of grated carrots or applesauce.
How Do I Get the Right Texture for My Carrot Bread?
Achieving the perfect moist texture can be tricky, but here are some tips:
- When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This prevents packing, which can lead to dry bread.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you combine wet and dry ingredients. Mix just until you see no flour pockets. This helps maintain tenderness.
- Make sure your grated carrots are well-drained if using pineapple. Excess moisture can cause the bread to be soggy.
- If testing for doneness, a toothpick should come out clean. A few moist crumbs are okay, but batter means it needs more time.
By following these tips and using fresh ingredients, your carrot bread will be delicious and moist every time!
Easy Moist Carrot Bread Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 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 packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3-4 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 takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. Make sure to let it cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before taking it out. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 20 minutes to enjoy your scrumptious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make after-baking cleanup easier.
2. Mixing the 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 leavening agents and spices in your batter.
3. Combining the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs along with both the granulated and brown sugar until everything is nicely combined. Add in the vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil) and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
4. Merging Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix into the wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined—don’t overmix! You want a tender bread.
5. Adding the Good Stuff:
Now it’s time to fold in the grated carrots. If you’re using walnuts or pecans and/or crushed pineapple, add those in too. Gently mix until they are nicely incorporated into the batter.
6. Pouring and Spreading the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly.
7. Baking the Bread:
Pop your loaf pan in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
8. Cooling Time:
Let your delicious carrot bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent the bottom from getting soggy.
9. Slicing and Serving:
Once fully cooled, slice your moist carrot bread and enjoy it plain or with a delightful spread of butter or cream cheese. It also makes a great addition to breakfast or as a snack!
This carrot bread will stay moist and flavorful for several days when wrapped properly and can even be frozen for longer storage. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Moist Carrot Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but it might result in a denser texture. You can also use half and half for a lighter result while still benefiting from the whole grains!
What If I Don’t Have Eggs?
No worries! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a mashed banana for a similar binding effect and added moisture. You can also use a commercial egg replacer if you have it on hand!
How Should I Store Leftover Carrot Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Bread?
Absolutely! You can add raisins, dried cranberries, or even coconut for extra flavor. Just make sure to adjust the moisture levels accordingly if you’re adding many wet ingredients!
