This moist apple carrot bread is a sweet treat packed with the goodness of apples and carrots. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack, and it makes your kitchen smell heavenly!
I love sneaking in extra apples because they add extra sweetness and flavor. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a little extra slice? Perfect with butter on top! 🧈
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is great for this recipe. If you’re gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might vary a bit, but it will still turn out delicious!
Carrots and Apples: Freshly grated carrots and apples are key for moisture. You can also use pre-grated options or even substitute with zucchini for a change. Just remember to squeeze out excess water from zucchini!
Oils and Butter: I prefer using vegetable oil for a lighter crumb, but melted butter gives richness. You can substitute with coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce (about ½ cup) if you want to reduce fat.
Nuts: While walnuts or pecans add great crunch, feel free to skip them or replace with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version!
Pineapple: The crushed pineapple is optional but adds extra moisture and flavor. You can substitute it with grated zucchini or skip it altogether if you’re short on time.
What’s the Best Way to Grate Carrots and Apples?
Grating carrots and apples is straightforward, but it’s important to use the right tools for even shreds:
- Use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment for quick results.
- Peel the apple before grating for a smoother texture.
- After grating, it’s wise to pat the grated items with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, especially if you’re using very juicy apples.
This will help prevent the batter from becoming too watery and ensures your bread bakes perfectly!
Moist Apple Carrot Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1 cup grated apple (peeled, about 1 medium apple)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional for extra moisture)
Time Needed:
This delicious moist apple carrot bread requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. You’ll have a delightful sweet treat in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread cooks evenly. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later on.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This will help evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the bread.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Then add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil (or melted butter). Mix well until everything is nicely combined. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor!
4. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, add your dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
5. Add Fruits and Nuts:
Fold in the grated carrots, grated apple, nuts (if you’re using them), and crushed pineapple (if desired). Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
6. Fill the Pan:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. This helps it bake evenly in the oven.
7. Bake the Bread:
Your bread will need to bake for about 50-60 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid overbaking!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Once it’s cool, slice it up and enjoy either plain or with a spread of butter for even more deliciousness!
Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this moist apple carrot bread! It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, snack time, or dessert!
img src=”https://cookingwitholivia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/moist-apple-carrot-bread.webp” alt=””>
Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! However, it may result in a denser texture. You might want to use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a lighter bread.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before slicing.
Can I Add Other Fruits or Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like mashed banana, grated zucchini, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added flavor and texture.
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg) as a substitute for eggs and replace the vegetable oil with applesauce for a lower-fat option.
