This Easy Moist Carrot Bread is a sweet treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack! Made with shredded carrots, it’s fluffy and moist, with just the right amount of spice.
You can never have too many carrot treats, right? I love to toast a slice and slather it with butter. It’s like a cozy hug in bread form! 🥕💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the bread. If you want to make it healthier, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Just note that the texture might be slightly different.
Vegetable Oil: I find vegetable oil gives a nice moistness to the bread. You can substitute it with canola oil, melted coconut oil, or even unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat option.
Carrots: Fresh, finely shredded carrots are key! If you prefer, you can also use pre-packaged shredded carrots to save time. Just make sure they’re not too chunky.
Nuts: I love using walnuts for a nice crunch, but you can skip them or swap them for pecans, or even chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. If you love ginger, a bit of fresh grated ginger would be a great addition!
How Do I Make Sure My Carrot Bread Turns Out Moist?
Keeping your carrot bread moist is all about balancing wet and dry ingredients. Here are some useful tips:
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture. The fresher, the better!
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until everything is combined; this helps keep the bread tender.
- Add crushed pineapple if you want extra moisture and a subtle sweetness.
- Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking can lead to dryness, so check with a toothpick a few minutes early!
Easy Moist Carrot Bread
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
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups finely shredded 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 55-65 minutes to bake. After baking, allow for about 10 minutes of cooling in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out easily when it’s done.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour.
3. Combining the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and vegetable oil, beating them together until well mixed. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Bringing It Together:
Gradually add the dry ingredients from the first bowl into the wet mixture. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
5. Adding Carrots and Optional Ingredients:
Fold in the finely shredded carrots. If you choose to use them, also mix in the chopped walnuts or pecans and the drained crushed pineapple for extra moisture and flavor.
6. Baking the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top so it’s even. Place it in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on it to avoid overbaking!
7. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, take the bread out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice it up and enjoy your moist carrot bread plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese!
Enjoy every bite of your delightful carrot bread! 🥕❤️
FAQ About Easy Moist Carrot Bread
Can I Use Different Flours for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Whole wheat flour adds a nuttier flavor and a bit more nutrition, but it may make the bread denser. For a gluten-free option, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works well, but make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
How Can I Make This Carrot Bread Healthier?
To make it healthier, consider substituting some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup, or reducing the sugar quantity by 1/4 cup. You can also replace half of the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce to cut down on fat while keeping it moist.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Carrot Bread?
Store leftover carrot bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. You can add raisins, shredded coconut, or even a handful of chocolate chips. Just keep an eye on the moisture levels if adding significantly more ingredients.
