Carrot Bread

There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of fresh Carrot Bread wafting through the kitchen. It takes me back to my grandmother’s cozy home, where the warmth of the oven embraced us as we gathered around the table. Each slice of this delightful bread is not just a treat for the taste buds but a sweet reminder of home. As the seasons shift and the leaves begin to fall, I find myself reaching for my go-to recipe for Carrot Bread. The blend of fresh, grated carrots and warm spices creates a unique flavor that’s both familiar and unexpected. This bread is perfect for breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or even as a sweet addition to your holiday table. It’s amazing how something so simple can evoke such fond memories.

Key Ingredients for Carrot Bread

Every ingredient in this Carrot Bread plays a vital role in creating a loaf that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The combination of fresh vegetables, spices, and sugars brings a depth of flavor that’s irresistible. Let’s explore these key players:

• All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of our bread, providing the structure. It absorbs moisture from the other ingredients, creating a tender crumb.
• Baking powder: This leavening agent helps the bread rise, giving it that fluffy texture we all love.
• Baking soda: It works in tandem with baking powder to ensure our bread rises beautifully, contributing to the lightness of the loaf.
• Sugar: A blend of granulated and brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar imparting a slight caramel flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Helps in keeping the bread moist and tender, making it less dry than butter-based versions.
• Carrots: Freshly grated, they add natural sweetness, moisture, and a lovely texture to the bread.
• Zucchini: Just like the carrots, it brings moisture to the bread, making it even more delicious while adding a subtle freshness.

Recipe Steps for Carrot Bread

Let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking! Making Carrot Bread is a fun and straightforward process. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll be rewarded with a delightful loaf perfect for any occasion.

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F degrees. Prepare your baking pan by buttering and lightly flouring an 8×4 inch loaf pan. This step is crucial to ensure your Carrot Bread releases easily after baking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined. You want a uniform mixture to ensure even rising and flavor distribution.
3. In another bowl, mix together granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined. Then, add canola oil, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy, about one minute of mixing should do.
4. Next, gently fold in the freshly grated carrots and zucchini into the wet mixture. Then, gradually add the flour mixture to this bowl. Mix just until everything is combined; be careful not to over-mix, as that could make the bread dense.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. At this point, carefully cover the top of the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too much. Continue to bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, invert the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. If you choose to frost your Carrot Bread, prepare your frosting by beating together softened butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar, salt, and another splash of vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, taking about three minutes.
9. Once the bread is cooled, drizzle or pour the frosting over the top. Slice and serve your delicious Carrot Bread to your eager guests!

Tips and Tricks about Carrot Bread

Here are some helpful tips to make your Carrot Bread experience even better:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and refrigerate it.
• Freezing: You can freeze Carrot Bread for up to three months. Wrap slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag for easy access.
• Pairing: This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack or breakfast treat.
• Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices according to your taste. A pinch of ginger or allspice can give a delightful twist to the classic flavor.
• Serve Warm: For an extra touch, serve your Carrot Bread warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese.

Serve This Carrot Bread With

When it comes to serving Carrot Bread, the possibilities are endless! Here are some ideas:

• Breakfast Delight: Enjoy a slice of Carrot Bread with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect start to your day.
• Afternoon Snack: Pair it with a light yogurt or a handful of nuts for a wholesome mid-day treat.
• Holiday Gatherings: This bread makes a great addition to any holiday table, either as a sweet side or a dessert option.
• Potlucks and Parties: Bring your Carrot Bread to gatherings; it’s sure to be a hit among guests!
• Storage Tip: For those busy days, consider making a larger batch and freezing slices for quick breakfasts or snacks later.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Carrot Bread stands out for its delightful blend of flavors and comforting texture, making it a must-try for any baking enthusiast. I encourage you to give it a go; it’s easier than you think and absolutely rewarding. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen and the delicious taste that follows. Happy baking!

Carrot Bread

The ultimate comfort food, Carrot Bread is moist, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With a blend of fresh carrots and warm spices, this easy-to-make bread is ideal for breakfast or a delightful snack. Try it tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Breakfast, Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 0.5 tsp Baking soda
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 tsp Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 0.25 cups Packed light-brown sugar
• 0.25 cups Canola or vegetable oil
• 3 Tbsp Unsweetened applesauce
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 0.75 cups Finely shredded peeled carrots (from about 2 medium carrots)
• 0.75 cups Finely shredded zucchini (from about 1 small zucchini)
• 3 Tbsp Butter softened
• 3 oz Cream cheese softened
• 1.5 cups Powdered sugar
• 0.5 tsp Vanilla extract
• 0.25 tsp Salt

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Mixing Bowl
• Peeler

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F degrees. Butter and lightly flour an 8x4 inch loaf pan. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
3. In another bowl, mix together granulated sugar and brown sugar until well combined. Then, add canola oil, unsweetened applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy, about one minute of mixing should do.
4. Next, gently fold in the freshly grated carrots and zucchini into the wet mixture. Then, gradually add the flour mixture to this bowl. Mix just until everything is combined; be careful not to over-mix, as that could make the bread dense.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes. At this point, carefully cover the top of the loaf with aluminum foil to prevent it from browning too much. Continue to bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes.
7. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, invert the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. If you choose to frost your Carrot Bread, prepare your frosting by beating together butter and cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add powdered sugar, salt, and another splash of vanilla extract. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
9. Once the bread is cooled, drizzle or pour the frosting over the top. Slice and serve your delicious Carrot Bread to your eager guests!

Notes

Once cool, store your Carrot Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for about a week.

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Meet Piper Cross

I am obsessed with using fresh, seasonal produce to make meals shine. I believe a squeeze of citrus or a handful of herbs can change everything. I cooked and photographed this dish with a focus on vibrant colors and natural textures, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes when you make it.