This Easy Moist Carrot Bread is packed with sweet, shredded carrots that keep it super moist. It’s like a warm hug in every slice, perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Plus, it’s simple to whip up! I love to slather a bit of butter on a warm slice—heavenly! You might just find yourself going back for seconds! 🥕🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Carrots: Fresh, finely shredded carrots are crucial for moisture and flavor. If you’re short on carrots, grated zucchini can be a good substitute, though it might change the flavor a bit.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness, but you can use brown sugar for a richer flavor and slight caramel notes. For a healthier option, consider using applesauce or honey, adjusting the liquid content accordingly.
Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist, but you can replace it with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a lighter version. Olive oil is another option, but it may add an olive flavor.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor, but if nuts aren’t your thing, you can skip them or replace them with sunflower seeds for a different texture.
Pineapple & Raisins: These add extra moisture and sweetness. If you don’t have them on hand or prefer not to use dried fruits, simply omit them or swap in chopped dates or cranberries instead.
How Do I Ensure My Carrot Bread is Moist and Delicious?
Moisture is key to great carrot bread, and here are my tips to achieve it:
- Staying close to the carrot proportion in the recipe—too few carrots can make it dry.
- Use fresh, finely shredded carrots. Grating them yourself is best for keeping their moisture intact. Avoid pre-shredded carrots.
- Add optional crushed pineapple. This gives an extra boost of moisture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Mixing just until combined keeps your bread light and fluffy.
Lastly, let the bread cool fully before slicing; this helps it firm up and makes for easier cutting.
Easy Moist Carrot Bread
Ingredients
- For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely shredded carrots (about 3-4 medium carrots)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional, for extra moisture)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Time Needed
This delicious carrot bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 55 to 65 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to allow about 10 minutes for cooling before slicing. Altogether, you’re looking at a little over an hour with some easy waiting time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper to make it easier to remove the bread later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until it’s all nicely combined. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well blended and creamy. This part really helps create a moist bread!
4. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are perfectly fine.
5. Add the Carrots and Extras:
Fold in the finely shredded carrots. If you’re using nuts, crushed pineapple, or raisins, gently mix them in now as well. These ingredients add flavor and texture, making your bread even more delightful!
6. Pour and Smooth:
Carefully pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top so it’s even. This will help your bread bake nicely.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for about 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you see a few crumbs, that’s okay! Just don’t see any wet batter.
8. Cool Before Slicing:
Once your kitchen smells amazing and the bread is done, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Now comes the best part! Slice the carrot bread and enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese. Each bite is sure to bring a smile to your face. 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 the bread may be denser. To keep it lighter, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
Can I Freeze Carrot Bread for Later?
Absolutely! Once your carrot bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply leave it at room temperature for several hours or overnight in the fridge.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Bread?
If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the sugar by half a cup or substitute it with a sweeter alternative like honey or maple syrup. Just keep in mind that this might affect the moisture content, so adjust other liquid ingredients accordingly.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Pineapple on Hand?
No worries! If you don’t have crushed pineapple, you can either omit it entirely or replace it with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or yogurt for added moisture.
