This Carrot Apple Bread is the perfect treat for any time of day, combining the natural sweetness of apples and carrots with warm spices like cinnamon. Moist, tender, and full of comforting flavors, this bread is a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, this spiced bread is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Carrot Apple Bread is the perfect blend of sweetness, warmth, and texture. The grated carrots add moisture and a slight sweetness, while the chopped apples bring a burst of juicy flavor with each bite. The combination of cinnamon, baking soda, and vanilla enhances the comforting, cozy taste of the bread. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or sharing it with family and friends, this bread is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s easy to make and makes your kitchen smell amazing!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until well combined. Add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the grated carrots and chopped apples until well distributed throughout the batter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
Variations
- Nuts or Seeds: Add some chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries to enhance the sweetness and add variety to the bread.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a deeper, spiced flavor to complement the cinnamon.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the bread for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store it for longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Reheating: To enjoy a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, though the texture of the bread may be denser. You might want to try a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.
2. Can I use another sweetener besides sugar?
Yes, you can use alternative sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like Stevia or erythritol. Keep in mind that liquid sweeteners like honey or syrup may require slight adjustments to the flour or liquid content of the recipe.
3. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
4. Can I add more vegetables to this bread?
Yes, you can experiment with adding finely grated zucchini or sweet potato for additional moisture and nutrients.
5. Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the vegetable oil with coconut oil and use a dairy-free sweetener or milk alternative. The bread will still be moist and flavorful.
6. How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Check the bread by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes.
7. How can I make the bread fluffier?
Make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense bread. Also, ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for optimal leavening.
8. Can I add a cream cheese filling to the bread?
Yes, you can swirl a cream cheese filling into the batter before baking for a delicious twist. Mix cream cheese with a bit of sugar and vanilla and swirl it through the batter.
9. Can I substitute the apples for another fruit?
Yes, you can substitute the apples with pears, bananas, or even crushed pineapple, depending on what flavor you prefer.
10. Can I use a different type of oil?
You can substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Carrot Apple Bread is a delightful, moist, and flavorful treat that perfectly combines the sweetness of apples and carrots with the warmth of cinnamon and spices. It’s a great option for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this bread is sure to become a beloved recipe in your baking collection. Enjoy a slice (or two!) of this cozy, spiced bread anytime you need a comforting, wholesome treat!
Print
Carrot Apple Bread
This Carrot Apple Bread is a moist, flavorful treat that combines the natural sweetness of apples and carrots with the warmth of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this easy-to-make bread is full of comforting flavors. With a tender crumb and a burst of fruitiness in every bite, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots
- 1 cup chopped apples
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until well combined. Add the oil and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the grated carrots and chopped apples until well distributed throughout the batter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Nuts or Seeds: Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for extra texture and flavor.
- Dried Fruits: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness.
- Spices: Add nutmeg or ginger for a deeper spiced flavor.
- Glaze: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
