This Easy Moist Carrot Bread is a lovely treat packed with sweet carrots and warm spices. It’s super soft and has a delicious, cozy flavor that makes you feel right at home!
Baking this bread fills the kitchen with a wonderful aroma. I like to enjoy it with a little butter, but let’s be honest, it’s pretty tasty on its own too. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your bread, giving it structure. If you’re looking for a healthier option, whole wheat flour works too, but keep in mind it may make the bread denser.
Granulated and brown sugar: Together, they add sweetness and moisture. If you prefer a lower-sugar option, you can substitute with a sugar alternative or use applesauce for moisture, but adjust the dry ingredients accordingly.
Carrots: Fresh grated carrots are key for moisture and flavor. If you’re in a pinch, pre-grated carrots are fine, but fresh has the best flavor. You can also swap them with zucchini if you prefer another veggie.
Nuts and raisins: These are optional, but they add a nice crunch and extra flavor. If you have nut allergies, feel free to leave them out or replace them with seeds. Chocolate chips work too for a fun twist!
How Do I Make Sure My Carrot Bread is Moist?
The key to a moist carrot bread is balancing the wet and dry ingredients. Using eggs and oil provides rich moisture. Adding crushed pineapple not only adds flavor but helps keep it tender. Here’s how to ensure moistness:
- Grate the carrots finely to release their moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter; this can make the bread tough.
- Use a toothpick test to check for doneness, and remove it from the oven as soon as it comes out clean.
- Letting it cool in the pan helps retain its moisture before moving it to a wire rack.
Easy Moist Carrot Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional for extra moisture)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Moist Carrot Bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55 to 65 minutes to bake. Be sure to allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. So, all in all, about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or you can line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger (if using). Make sure everything is well combined to avoid lumps in your bread.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, take your granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat these together until the mixture is smooth and nicely combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Remember, avoid overmixing as this can make your bread tough.
5. Fold in the Extras:
Now, add in the grated carrots, crushed pineapple (if you’re using it), and your optional nuts and raisins. Gently fold these into the batter until evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep your bread nice and moist!
And there you have it! Enjoy your moist carrot bread as a delightful snack or breakfast treat!
FAQ for Easy Moist Carrot Bread
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour! However, keep in mind that it may make your bread denser. You may want to use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Carrot Bread?
Store leftover carrot bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it well!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. Chocolate chips also make a delicious addition for a sweeter treat!
What If I Don’t Have Crushed Pineapple?
If you don’t have crushed pineapple, you can omit it or substitute it with unsweetened applesauce for extra moisture. You can also add a bit of yogurt for a similar effect!
