There is nothing quite like biting into a warm, moist slice of carrot bread fresh from the oven. This Carrot Bread Recipe brings together just the right balance of spices, tender shredded carrots, and crunchy nuts, perfectly complemented by a sweet, glossy glaze. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast treat, a delightful snack, or a charming addition to your tea time, this recipe is bound to become one of your favorites. It’s simple, satisfying, and reliably delicious every time you make it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the essentials for this Carrot Bread Recipe is a breeze, and each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final masterpiece. From the warm spices that give it that irresistible flavor to the shredded carrots that add moisture and texture, you’ll see how simple pantry staples come together to create something truly special.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise for lightness and fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Balances acidity and aids in leavening.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a cozy spice note.
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle earthiness that complements the carrots.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger: Introduces a gentle zing for complexity.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just right without overpowering.
- 2 large eggs: Binds ingredients and introduces richness.
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with a hint of sweetness.
- 2 cups finely shredded carrots: The star ingredient adding natural sweetness, moisture, and vibrant color.
- 1 cup chopped nuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
- 2¼ cups powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet, smooth topping.
- 2 tablespoons half and half: Blends the glaze to the perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup: Gives the glaze a shiny finish and prevents crystallization.
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring: Completes the glaze with aromatic vanilla notes.
How to Make Carrot Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray to ensure your beautiful bread comes out cleanly without sticking. This simple preparation step sets the stage for a flawless bake.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. This blend of dry ingredients is what will infuse your carrot bread with its signature spicy warmth and ensure a perfectly balanced flavor throughout.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Using a stand mixer or a handheld mixer on medium speed, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until just combined. This mixture brings richness and sweetness that keeps the bread moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Lower the mixer speed to low and add the flour mixture gradually. Mix just until everything is combined—be careful not to overmix, or your bread might end up too dense. The key here is to maintain tenderness and lift in each slice.
Step 5: Fold in Carrots and Nuts
Gently fold in the finely shredded carrots and chopped nuts by hand. This step introduces delightful texture and bursts of natural sweetness, making every bite interesting and indulgent.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When done, allow the bread to cool completely in the pan — patience is key for slicing neat and clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While your bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, half and half, light corn syrup, and clear vanilla flavoring until smooth with no lumps. This luscious glaze will add a shiny, sweet finishing touch that makes your carrot bread irresistible.
Step 8: Glaze and Slice
Once the bread has cooled thoroughly, remove it from the pan and spread the glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set slightly, then slice the bread into generous ¼ inch pieces, ready to serve and impress.
How to Serve Carrot Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a few extra chopped nuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze can elevate your carrot bread’s look and flavor. A dollop of cream cheese or a smear of butter adds a creamy counterpoint that pairs beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this carrot bread with a cup of hot tea, freshly brewed coffee, or a creamy latte for the ultimate cozy moment. For a heartier breakfast or brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of yogurt topped with honey and nuts.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices of carrot bread with a small bowl of honey butter or even a lemon curd for a surprising zing. For a stunning dessert option, top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your carrot bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps it moist and fresh, so you can enjoy that perfect slice anytime.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked bread for up to two months. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before glazing and serving.
Reheating
To warm up your carrot bread, pop a slice in the toaster oven or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds until it’s just soft and smelling amazing again. Add a touch of butter afterward for an extra cozy bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute nuts in the Carrot Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts or pecans are traditional, feel free to swap in almonds, pistachios, or even seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free twist. Just keep the quantity about the same for texture balance.
How fine should the carrots be shredded?
For the best texture, use a fine shred. It helps distribute moisture evenly and makes for a tender crumb. Very coarse shreds can create uneven pockets in the bread and affect the overall mouthfeel.
Is this Carrot Bread Recipe suitable for making muffins?
Definitely! Use the same batter to make about 12 muffins. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for around 20-25 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness. Muffins bake faster due to their smaller size.
What if I don’t have clear vanilla flavoring for the glaze?
You can substitute it with regular vanilla extract. The clear vanilla keeps the glaze looking pristine, but the flavor will still be delightfully sweet and aromatic with regular vanilla.
Can I make this Carrot Bread Recipe vegan?
With some adjustments, yes! Swap eggs for flax eggs or commercial egg replacers, use a plant-based milk in the glaze, and substitute vegetable oil with your favorite neutral oil. The texture and flavor might be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Bread Recipe is truly a cozy classic that never fails to bring a smile to the table. Its perfect mix of spices, moist shredded carrots, nutty crunch, and sweet glaze make it a treat worth baking again and again. Treat yourself or share with loved ones—once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a cherished favorite.
Print
Carrot Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful carrot bread made with warm spices, shredded carrots, and chopped nuts, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. This delightful quick bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert and offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and spice.
Ingredients
Dry 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
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups finely shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Glaze
- 2¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons half and half
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside to prepare the batter.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed.
- Combine wet ingredients: Using a stand mixer or a handheld mixer on medium speed, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until just combined. Avoid overbeating.
- Add dry ingredients: Lower the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredient mixture, mixing only until just combined to prevent overmixing and keep the bread tender.
- Fold in carrots and nuts: Gently fold in the finely shredded carrots and chopped nuts with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly incorporated without overworking the batter.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, half and half, light corn syrup, and clear vanilla flavoring. Stir until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps.
- Glaze the bread: Once the carrot bread has completely cooled, remove it from the loaf pan. Evenly spread the vanilla glaze over the top, then slice into ¼ inch pieces and serve.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the carrot bread moist and tender.
- Shredding the carrots finely helps them incorporate better and bake evenly.
- Chopped nuts can be substituted with walnuts or pecans according to preference.
- The glaze adds a sweet finishing touch but can be omitted for a less sweet bread.
- Store leftover bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
