Name: Carrot Apple Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488854H29M46S
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup grated apple (peeled or unpeeled); ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); ½ cup raisins or shredded coconut (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carrot Apple Bread brings together the best of two classic flavors in one soft, spiced loaf. It’s moist, wholesome, and can be made with simple pantry ingredients. Packed with fruit and veggies, this bread is as nourishing as it is delicious. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, raisins, or coconut.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Salt
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
Vanilla extract
Shredded carrots
Grated apple (peeled or unpeeled)
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Raisins or shredded coconut (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In another bowl, beat together brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
Stir in the shredded carrots and grated apple.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
Fold in any optional mix-ins like nuts or raisins.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 standard loaf (about 10 slices) and takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes total—15 minutes of prep time and 50–60 minutes of baking.

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Vegan: Use flax eggs and plant-based milk or applesauce in place of eggs.
Low Sugar: Substitute coconut sugar or reduce the sugar slightly.
Spiced Up: Add ground ginger or cloves for a deeper spice profile.
Mini Loaves: Divide batter into mini loaf pans and reduce bake time to 25–30 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Store cooled carrot apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic and foil and store for up to 2 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or microwave for 15–20 seconds.

FAQs

What type of apple is best for this recipe?

Firm, sweet apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala work best. You can peel them or leave the skin on.

Can I use pre-shredded carrots?

Freshly shredded carrots are recommended for moisture and texture, but pre-shredded can work if finely chopped.

Should the grated apple be drained?

If your apple is very juicy, lightly squeeze out some moisture, but don’t overdo it—you want some of the juice for flavor and texture.

Can I make this bread without eggs?

Yes, substitute each egg with 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let sit for 5 minutes).

Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can replace up to half the flour with whole wheat flour. The texture will be slightly denser but still moist.

Can I add a glaze or frosting?

Absolutely. A light cream cheese glaze or simple powdered sugar drizzle works beautifully on top.

How do I prevent the bread from sinking?

Make sure not to overmix the batter and bake it thoroughly. Check doneness with a toothpick.

Can I use applesauce instead of oil?

You can replace some or all of the oil with applesauce for a lower-fat version, though it may be slightly less moist.

Is this bread good for kids?

Yes, it’s naturally sweet and packed with fruit and vegetables, making it a great snack for children.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake two loaves. Adjust baking time if using different pan sizes.

Conclusion

Carrot Apple Bread is a simple yet flavorful quick bread that brings together two wholesome ingredients in one delicious loaf. With its soft crumb, warm spices, and naturally sweet taste, it’s a comforting bake that fits any season. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a bit of butter, it’s sure to be a favorite in your kitchen.