This easy moist apple carrot bread is a wonderful treat that combines sweet apples and crunchy carrots into a soft loaf. Perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Whenever I make this, my kitchen smells amazing. And let’s be real, who can resist a slice slathered with butter? Yum! Plus, it’s so simple to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your bread, providing structure. You can use whole wheat flour for a healthier option, which may add a nutty flavor but can make the bread denser.
Carrots: Grated carrots add moisture and sweetness. If you don’t have fresh carrots, you can use pre-packaged grated carrots to save time! Alternatively, zucchini can also work in a pinch.
Apples: I suggest using a tart apple like Granny Smith for a nice contrast in flavors. If they aren’t available, Honeycrisp or Fuji will also add a great sweetness. You can even experiment with mashed bananas for a different taste.
Nuts and raisins: These are optional but add a nice texture. Pecans or walnuts are great for added crunch. If you’re nut-free, just skip them, or replace with seeds like sunflower seeds.
How Can I Ensure My Bread Doesn’t Become Dense?
Mixing your batter properly is key to a light and fluffy bread. Here’s how:
- Start by whisking your dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, etc.) separately. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- When combining dry and wet ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten and lead to a dense loaf.
- Make sure not to skip the resting time after baking. Cooling helps set the structure for a perfect slice.
By following these tips, your apple carrot bread will be moist and delicious every time!
Easy Moist Apple Carrot Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup peeled and grated apple (about 1 medium apple, Granny Smith or similar tart apple)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: ¼ cup raisins
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy apple carrot bread recipe will take you about 15 minutes for preparation time and around 50-60 minutes for baking. Allow some extra time for cooling before slicing, so plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes in total. Perfect for a cozy afternoon treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it with butter or cooking spray, then dust a little flour on it. This helps the bread come out easily after baking!
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This helps combine the ingredients and ensures everything is mixed evenly!
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until everything is well combined. Then, add in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the bowl of dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—it’s okay if there are a few lumps, but avoid overmixing. This helps keep your bread light and fluffy!
5. Add the Veggies and Nuts:
Now for the tasty part! Fold in the grated carrots and apple. If you’re using nuts and raisins, fold those in too. The mixture will be thick, but that’s perfect for a hearty bread!
6. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
7. Cooling Time:
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 makes slicing much easier!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, slice your delicious apple carrot bread once it’s cooled down, and enjoy it plain or spread with a bit of butter. It’s delightful any time of day!
This apple carrot bread is not only moist and flavorful, but it’s also packed with natural sweetness from the fruits and vegetables. Enjoy this easy and wholesome treat with friends and family!
FAQ for Easy Moist Apple Carrot Bread
Can I Substitute Coconut Oil with Another Oil?
Absolutely! If you don’t have coconut oil, you can use any neutral oil such as canola or grapeseed oil. Just stick to the same amount (½ cup) to maintain the moisture in the bread.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the best texture!
Can I Freeze the Bread for Later?
Yes, you can freeze this bread! Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a zip-top freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months! Thaw it at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it.
What Variations Can I Try?
Feel free to get creative! You can add chopped dried cranberries, different types of nuts, or even spices like ginger. For a tropical twist, try adding crushed pineapple or swapping some carrot for shredded zucchini!
