This moist apple carrot bread is a warm, sweet treat! Packed with tender apples and colorful carrots, it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. The irresistible scent will fill your kitchen!
Honestly, it’s hard to have just one slice; I usually sneak a few pieces before it cools! Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. 😂 Enjoy with a cup of tea for a cozy moment!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: The base for this bread. If you’re gluten-free, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead. I find this keeps the texture nice and fluffy.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Both help the bread rise. Make sure they’re fresh for the best results! If you have only one, you can use 1 teaspoon of baking powder instead, but the texture might be slightly different.
Carrots: Freshly grated carrots add moisture and sweetness. You can also use baby carrots for convenience. If you’re short on carrots, zucchini can be a nice substitute; just squeeze out the excess moisture.
Apple: I recommend using a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp for flavor. If apples aren’t available, pears can work well too, providing a similar texture!
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch. If you have a nut allergy, try adding sunflower seeds for a boost in texture instead.
How Do You Keep Your Apple Carrot Bread Moist?
To ensure your bread stays delightfully moist, follow a few key tips. Using both grated carrots and apples brings in natural moisture. The crushed pineapple is an optional ingredient that can kick up the moisture even more!
- Don’t overmix your batter; it can make the bread dense. Just mix until everything is combined.
- Oven temperature is crucial; make sure it’s preheated. Check your bread around the 50-minute mark with a toothpick.
Covering the bread with foil during the last few minutes of baking can help if you’re worried about it browning too much. Lastly, letting it cool in the pan helps maintain its moisture before slicing!
Moist Apple Carrot Bread (Soft Loaves)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup peeled and grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, well drained (optional for extra moisture)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to get everything mixed and ready, followed by 50-60 minutes of baking time. Plan for a bit of cooling time after it’s out of the oven—around 10 minutes in the pans and then a while on a wire rack before slicing. So, all in all, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, plus cooling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab two 8×4-inch loaf pans and grease and flour them well, or line them with parchment paper to make removing the bread easier later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination will help give your bread that lovely rise and comforting spice flavor. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Beat the Sugars and Eggs:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs together with the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Whip it until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this should take a couple of minutes.
4. Combine Liquids with Eggs:
Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix it well. This will create a rich, moist base for your bread.
5. Fold in the Fruits and Veggies:
Now, gently stir in the grated carrots, grated apple, and crushed pineapple (if you’re using it). Make sure everything is evenly mixed; this will add both moisture and flavor!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually take your dry ingredient mixture and fold it into the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the bread tough, and we want it tender and soft!
7. Add Nuts (if desired):
If you like a little crunch, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. If you’re not into nuts, feel free to skip this step!
8. Prepare the Loaf Pans:
Carefully divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to make them look nice.
9. Bake the Bread:
Place the pans in the preheated oven, and bake for about 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when they are ready!
10. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the pans from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes. Then, turn the breads out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This can be tough because they smell so good, but it’ll be worth the wait!
Enjoy your moist, soft apple carrot bread! It pairs perfectly with a pat of butter or a spread of cream cheese. Happy baking! 🍞
FAQ for Moist Apple Carrot Bread
Can I Substitute the Eggs in This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flax eggs for a vegan option. To make one flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens, and then use it in place of one egg.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice the bread and place it in a freezer-safe bag in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly from the freezer.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Some blends may require additional liquid, so check the packaging for any specific instructions.
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Pineapple?
If you prefer not to use crushed pineapple, you can omit it completely or replace it with unsweetened applesauce or yogurt. Both will help add moisture to your bread!
