Hello, dear readers! It’s Darian here, your favorite County Mama. Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes – Carrot Bread. This delightful quick bread is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.
Carrot bread has a rich history, believed to have originated from England during World War II when housewives used sweet products like carrots to naturally sweeten their confections. Over the years, this humble bread has evolved into a beloved staple in many households, including mine.
Carrot Bread
Equipment
- oven
- 1 medium-sized bowl
- 1 separate bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 2 tsp Baking powder
- 2 tsp Baking soda
- 1½ tsp Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Nutmeg
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¾ cup Vegetable oil
- 4 Eggs
- 1½ cups Brown sugar
- ½ cup White granulated sugar
- ½ cup Applesauce
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 cups Grated carrotsINSTRUCTIONS
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350F.
- In a medium-sized bowl mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ground cloves, ginger, nutmeg, salt, brown sugar, and white sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix together vegetable oil, eggs, applesauce, and vanilla extract.
- Once the wet mixture is well mixed, add in the grated carrots and mix in just until combined.
- Pour the dry mixture into the wet mixture and mix together until just combined. Don't over mix.
- Bake in the oven at 350F for around 35 minutes (baking times may vary depending on appliances).
Video
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Carrot Bread
The key to amazing carrot bread is using fresh ingredients and taking your time. Here are my secrets:
- Use fresh carrots. Freshly grated carrots have more moisture and flavor than pre-packaged ones. Plus, grating your own carrots allows you to control the texture of your bread.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough bread. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet ones.
- Bake at a lower temperature. Baking at a lower temperature for a longer time helps the bread to bake evenly without drying out.
- Let the bread cool before slicing. This can be the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth the wait! Letting the bread cool allows it to firm up, making it easier to slice.
Creative Ways to Serve this Bread
This moist, lightly spiced loaf is so versatile – it can be served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy slices of homemade carrot bread:
- Make toast or breakfast sandwiches using carrot bread instead of regular bread. The hint of cinnamon and carrots gives it a special morning flair.
- For an easy appetizer or snack, cut the bread into cubes and serve with cream cheese or hummus for dipping.
- Make a salad more hearty by topping it with cubed bread croutons. They add sweetness and crunch.
- Use thick slices of bread for sandwiches in place of regular bread. Some fun combinations are turkey & Swiss, ham & cheddar, egg salad, or chicken salad.
- For bruschetta, top toasted slices of bread with fresh tomatoes, basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze.
- Make a bread pudding by cubing day-old carrot bread and baking it in an egg custard spiked with vanilla, cinnamon and raisins.
- For dessert, make carrot bread French toast drizzled with maple syrup, or serve slices toasted with butter and jam.
- Cut the bread into bite-size pieces and use as croutons for soups or salads. The carrot flavor adds a fun twist.
- Make breadcrumbs from carrot bread to coat chicken, fish, or vegetables before baking for a touch of sweetness.
- With cream cheese frosting: Turn your bread into a decadent treat by topping it with a simple cream cheese frosting.
- With a cup of tea or coffee: There’s nothing better than a slice of bread with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.
- Warmed with butter: Warm a slice of bread in the toaster oven and spread a little butter on top. It’s the perfect cozy treat for a chilly day.
FAQs
I often get questions about making carrot bread. Here are some of the most common ones:
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can add a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your bread. Just keep in mind that it may make your bread a bit denser.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Yes, feel free to customize your carrot bread with your favorite add-ins. Walnuts, pecans, and raisins all work well.
How should I store my carrot bread?
Carrot bread can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
I hope y’all will give my favorite carrot bread recipe a try soon. Let me know if you have any special add-ins or serving suggestions in the comments!