There’s something deeply comforting about quick breads—the kind you stir together in one bowl, slide into the oven, and enjoy as the warm aroma of cinnamon and apples fills the kitchen. Carrot Apple Bread is one of those timeless recipes that bridges seasons, moods, and occasions. With its tender crumb, natural sweetness, and subtle spice, this loaf feels like a warm hug on a busy morning or a simple treat to share with family.
This bread blends grated carrots and apples for moisture and flavor without being heavy. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even as a gently sweet dessert. Whether you’re baking for yourself or gifting a homemade loaf, this recipe delivers dependable, delicious results every time.
Recipe Overview
This Carrot Apple Bread is a moist, spiced quick bread made with grated carrots, grated apples, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tender batter enriched with coconut oil and sour cream. Everything comes together easily in one bowl and bakes into a soft, golden loaf with rich flavor and natural sweetness—simple, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients & Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup coconut oil (melted; or canola/vegetable oil)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground 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 (about 1 medium apple, unpeeled)
Instructions (With Helpful Tips)
1. Prepare the pan and oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and lightly flour it, or use baking spray with flour included for easy release.
Tip: Lining the pan with a parchment sling makes removal effortless, especially if the loaf is extra moist.
2. Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Egg
- Light brown sugar
- Granulated sugar
- Coconut oil
- Sour cream
- Vanilla extract
- Cinnamon & nutmeg
Whisk until smooth. The sour cream helps keep the bread tender, while the spices bring warmth and balance to the sweetness.
3. Add the dry ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and optional salt over the wet mixture.
Fold gently using a spatula just until combined.
Tip: Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the bread dense. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry pockets of flour.
4. Add carrots and apples
Fold in the grated carrots and apples. The batter will be thick—this is expected, as the moisture releases during baking and keeps the bread soft.
Tip: Don’t squeeze out the moisture from the apples; that juice helps create the perfect crumb.
5. Transfer and bake
Spread the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top lightly.
Bake until the top turns golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Baking time usually ranges 50–65 minutes, depending on ovens and moisture levels.
Tip: If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil during the last 20 minutes.
6. Cool and serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Let it cool completely before slicing to keep the loaf from crumbling.
Cooking Tips & Variations
Spice Boost
- Add cardamom, ginger, or allspice for deeper warmth.
- Swap some cinnamon for apple pie spice.
Texture Add-Ins
- Stir in up to ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Add raisins or dried cranberries for bursts of sweetness.
- Mix in shredded coconut for tropical notes.
Health-Forward Options
- Replace half the flour with whole-wheat flour for additional fiber.
- Reduce sugar slightly; the apples and carrots provide natural sweetness.
Dietary Swaps
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for higher protein.
- Replace coconut oil with neutral oils if preferred.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage
- Room temperature: Wrap tightly and store for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Freeze slices or the whole loaf, wrapped well, for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas
- Warm slices with butter or cream cheese.
- Toast lightly for a crisp edge.
- Serve with tea, coffee, or as part of a brunch spread.
Carrot Apple Bread offers a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and moisture. It’s easy to prepare, reliable, and adaptable to different tastes or add-ins. Whether baking for meal prep, sharing with loved ones, or treating yourself, this loaf brings comfort and flavor in every slice.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shredded carrots?
Freshly grated works best because it’s moister and softer.
2. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes—cut up to 25% without affecting texture.
3. Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Bake in a muffin tin for 18–22 minutes, checking for doneness.
4. Can I use different apples?
Yes—Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or any naturally sweet, crisp apple works.
5. Why is my bread too dense?
It may be from overmixing or not measuring flour correctly. Spoon-and-level for accuracy.
Moist and tender Carrot Apple Bread made with warm spices, grated apples, and carrots. Easy one-bowl recipe perfect for breakfast, snacks, or baking anytime.