There are certain bakes that feel like a warm hug, and Carrot Apple Bread is one of them. It’s the kind of loaf that fills the kitchen with sweet spice and invites everyone to linger a little longer. Combining freshly grated carrots and apples creates a naturally moist crumb, while cinnamon and nutmeg add gentle warmth. It’s simple enough for weekday baking yet special enough for gatherings, brunch tables, or gifting.
This bread also makes a great alternative to classic banana bread—slightly lighter, fruitier, and wonderfully aromatic. Plus, it comes together in one bowl without any complicated steps. If you love cozy flavors and soft, tender quick breads, this recipe delivers every time.
Recipe Overview
This Carrot Apple Bread is a moist, spiced quick bread made with grated carrots and apples for natural sweetness and texture. It mixes in minutes, bakes beautifully, and slices with ease. Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it stays soft for days and freezes well—an ideal make-ahead loaf for any occasion.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup coconut oil (or canola/vegetable oil)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream (lite or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- ¾ cup grated carrots (about 1 large carrot)
- ¾ cup grated apples (1 medium Fuji/Gala/Honeycrisp apple)
Instructions with Tips
1. Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with floured cooking spray or grease and flour it thoroughly.
Tip: Line with parchment if you prefer easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Egg
- Brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Coconut oil
- Sour cream
- Vanilla
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
Whisk until smooth.
Tip: Coconut oil must be fully liquid. If it starts solidifying, warm the bowl gently for a few seconds.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Fold gently until just combined.
Tip: Overmixing toughens the bread, so stop as soon as the flour disappears.
4. Add Carrots and Apples
Fold in the grated carrots and grated apples.
The batter will be thick—this is intentional and ensures a moist loaf.
Tip: Do not squeeze out moisture from the apples; you need that juice.
5. Transfer and Smooth
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Smooth the surface lightly with a spatula.
Optional: Sprinkle coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar on top.
6. Bake
Bake until:
- The top is golden
- The center is set
- A toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs, not wet batter
Tip: Bake times vary by oven and pan material; begin checking at 45 minutes and continue as needed.
7. Cool Completely
Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Then move to a wire rack and cool completely before slicing.
Tip: Cutting too early compresses the loaf—cooling gives it structure.
Cooking Tips & Variations
1. Add-ins for More Texture
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Golden raisins
- Shredded coconut
These blend well with the warm spice profile.
2. Make It Healthier
Swap ½ cup of flour with whole wheat flour.
Reduce sugar by 2–3 tablespoons if your apple is very sweet.
3. Boost the Spice
Add cardamom or allspice for a deeper flavor.
4. For Extra Moisture
Add 2 tablespoons of applesauce or crushed pineapple.
This keeps the loaf incredibly soft without altering structure.
5. Mini Loaf or Muffin Option
- Mini loaves: Bake 20–25 minutes
- Muffins: Bake 16–20 minutes
Adjust based on your oven and pan size.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Room temperature: 4 days in an airtight container
- Refrigerator: Up to 1 week
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
To thaw, leave at room temperature for 1–2 hours.
Serving Ideas
- Warm with butter or cream cheese
- Toasted with honey drizzle
- Served alongside yogurt and fruit for breakfast
- Turn into dessert with a vanilla glaze
This Carrot Apple Bread blends comforting spices, fresh produce, and a moist, tender crumb into a loaf that works any time of year. It’s quick to prepare, forgiving for beginners, and versatile enough to customize. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up, it brings satisfying flavor and soft texture to every slice.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Freshly grated carrots give better moisture and texture; pre-shredded versions are too dry.
2. Can I use different apples?
Yes—choose naturally sweet, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji.
3. Can the oil be replaced with butter?
Butter works but slightly reduces moisture. Oil keeps the loaf softer.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a 1:1 baking gluten-free flour blend for best results.
5. Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing or not enough leavening can cause density. Mix gently and measure accurately.
Moist and warmly spiced Carrot Apple Bread made with fresh apples, carrots, and cinnamon. Easy one-bowl recipe perfect for breakfast, snacks, or cozy baking days.
