This moist apple carrot bread is a tasty treat, packed with sweet apples and crunchy carrots. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack!
Baking this bread is super easy, and the smell fills the house with warmth. I always sneak a slice warm from the oven—so good with a bit of butter! 🥕🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: It’s the base of the bread, giving it structure. If you need a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead.
Vegetable oil: This provides moisture. I often use melted coconut oil for a hint of extra flavor. You can substitute it with applesauce for a healthier option too!
Carrots: Freshly grated carrots add sweetness and moisture. If you’re short on carrots, you can use zucchini, but make sure to squeeze out excess moisture first.
Apples: Use any sweet variety like Fuji or Gala. If you don’t have apples, you can also use mashed banana, which gives a lovely flavor.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and richness. If you prefer, you could skip them, or swap in chocolate chips for a fun twist!
How Do I Ensure My Bread is Moist?
The secret to moist apple carrot bread lies in the balance of wet and dry ingredients. Here’s how to get it right:
- When measuring flour, avoid packing it into the cup. Spoon it gently and level it off for precise amounts.
- Adding yogurt or sour cream helps keep the bread tender and moist. I always recommend this step!
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to keep the bread light and airy.
- If you have time, let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking. This allows for better hydration of the flour.
Following these tips should give you a wonderfully moist and delicious bread! Enjoy every bite! 🍞❤️
Moist Apple Carrot Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins:
- 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional – adds moisture)
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream (optional – boosts moistness)
Time Estimate:
This delicious bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and 55-65 minutes to bake. After baking, make sure to let it cool for a bit so it’s easier to slice. Altogether, you’ll be enjoying this tasty treat in about 80-90 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, beat the eggs with both sugars until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Then, add the oil and vanilla extract, and mix well until combined.
4. Add the Grated Vegetables and Fruits:
Stir in the grated carrots, chopped apples, and any nuts you’re using. If you chose to add crushed pineapple and yogurt or sour cream, fold them into the mixture now for extra moistness.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently and only until combined—try not to overmix to keep the bread light and airy!
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Now, slice it up, and enjoy your delicious apple carrot bread!
This moist apple carrot bread is not only simple to make, but it’s also perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a delightful afternoon snack. Enjoy! 🥕🍏
FAQ for Moist Apple Carrot Bread
Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that it may change the texture slightly, making it denser. For best results, you might want to use half all-purpose and half whole wheat flour to maintain some lightness.
What Type of Apples Are Best for This Bread?
Sweet varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp work wonderfully in this recipe. They add the right amount of sweetness and maintain their texture during baking.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). For the oil, using unsweetened applesauce instead of vegetable oil also contributes moisture while keeping it vegan.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it (wrapped tightly) for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it thaw completely before slicing!
