If you love the warm, comforting flavors of carrots and spices combined with a tender, moist texture, you are going to adore this Carrot Bread Recipe. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a sweet treat that feels like a cozy hug, packed with shredded carrots and crunchy nuts for delightful texture. This carrot bread is more than just a loaf; it’s a crowd-pleaser that brings a burst of autumnal charm to your kitchen and makes for an irresistible breakfast, snack, or dessert option.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Carrot Bread Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the spices add warmth, the oil and eggs keep it moist, and the shredded carrots bring natural sweetness and moisture that make this bread truly special.
- All-purpose flour: The base of your bread, providing structure and the perfect crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help your bread rise and become light and fluffy.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: Spices that deliver comforting warmth and signature autumn flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the carrots.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread incredibly moist and tender.
- Vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and sweetness.
- Finely shredded carrots: The star ingredient that adds moisture, sweetness, and a vibrant color.
- Chopped nuts: Bring a satisfying crunch and complement the soft texture.
- Powdered sugar, half and half, light corn syrup, and clear vanilla flavoring: These come together to make a smooth, shiny glaze that crowns the bread with a sweet finishing touch.
How to Make Carrot Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray and set aside. This step ensures your carrot bread will release easily after baking with a perfectly shaped crust that everyone will admire.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly throughout the batter for a consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Using a stand mixer or handheld mixer on medium speed, beat together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until just combined. This creates a smooth base that will blend seamlessly with the dry mixture but avoid overmixing to keep your bread tender.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Lower your mixer speed to low and slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. The key here is gentle mixing to prevent the bread from becoming dense. Then, gently fold in the shredded carrots and chopped nuts by hand to maintain that lovely texture and flavor burst.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on it – the aroma that fills your kitchen is a delicious hint that your carrot bread is nearly ready!
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze
While the bread cools in the pan, whisk together the powdered sugar, half and half, light corn syrup, and clear vanilla flavoring until smooth and lump-free. This glaze adds a shiny, sweet finish that enhances your carrot bread’s flavor and gives it a beautiful presentation.
Step 7: Glaze and Slice
Once the bread is completely cool, carefully remove it from the pan and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing into ¼ inch slices to reveal the moist, flavorful interior studded with nuts and vibrant carrot shreds.
How to Serve Carrot Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon can add an inviting touch of texture and aroma. For a bit of extra indulgence, serve slices with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey that perfectly balances the sweet and spiced flavors.
Side Dishes
This carrot bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful morning treat or an afternoon pick-me-up. It also complements cream cheese or Greek yogurt, especially if you want to add a cool, creamy contrast to the warm bread.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the carrot bread and toasting it lightly before serving for a crispy edge that’s simply irresistible. For a fun twist, serve thick slices topped with a smear of mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of maple syrup — a gourmet take that will wow your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover carrot bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain its moistness and flavor. If your kitchen is warm, keeping it in the fridge will help extend freshness, though it may firm up slightly, so a quick toast before eating can refresh it wonderfully.
Freezing
This Carrot Bread Recipe freezes really well. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing or serve slices straight from the freezer toasted.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm slices in the toaster or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This restores the bread’s moist texture and enhances the flavors, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I substitute nuts in the Carrot Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Walnuts and pecans are classic options, but you can use almonds, pistachios, or even leave them out if you prefer a nut-free bread. Each option adds its own unique crunch and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can make this Carrot Bread Recipe vegan by replacing the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and using a plant-based oil. Just make sure your glaze is also dairy-free by swapping half and half for a non-dairy milk.
Can I add other fruits or veggies to this carrot bread?
Yes! Adding grated zucchini or small pieces of pineapple can add moisture and a subtle twist to the flavor. Just be mindful to not overload the batter to keep the bread’s texture just right.
Why is my carrot bread dense?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can cause dense bread. Be gentle when folding the ingredients and measure the flour carefully. Also, make sure your leavening agents (baking powder and baking soda) are fresh.
How do I know when the carrot bread is done baking?
The best test is a toothpick inserted into the center coming out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, it needs more time. The loaf should also spring back lightly when pressed.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Bread Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves cozy, flavorful baked goods that feel homemade and heartfelt. Whether you’re baking it to share with loved ones or to savor with a quiet cup of tea, it will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen. Don’t wait to give it a try – the simple joy of fresh carrot bread is waiting for you!
Print
Carrot Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist and flavorful carrot bread combines warm spices and shredded carrots for a deliciously tender loaf. Enhanced with chopped nuts for crunch and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, this carrot bread is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Glaze Ingredients
- 2¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons half and half
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray and set it aside for later use.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine wet ingredients: Using a stand mixer or a handheld mixer on medium speed, blend together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add dry ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry flour mixture. Mix just until incorporated to avoid overmixing the batter.
- Fold in carrots and nuts: Carefully fold in the finely shredded carrots and chopped nuts by hand to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small mixing bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, half and half, light corn syrup, and clear vanilla flavoring until smooth and free of lumps.
- Glaze the bread: Once cooled, remove the bread from the pan. Evenly spread the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set slightly before slicing.
- Slice and serve: Slice the carrot bread into ¼ inch thick slices and serve. Enjoy as a sweet treat any time of day.
Notes
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to prevent a dense bread.
- Use finely shredded carrots for the best texture.
- You can substitute chopped walnuts or pecans for the nuts if preferred.
- The glaze can be adjusted in consistency by adding more half and half if too thick.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.
