This Carrot Apple Bread is pure comfort in loaf form! Imagine the moist crumb of homemade carrot cake meeting the bright sweetness of apples—each slice is bursting with cozy cinnamon spice and just the right touch of crunch from walnuts. It’s easy to mix together and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or for a tea-time treat, Carrot Apple Bread will quickly become a year-round favorite.

Carrot Apple Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Carrot Apple Bread are refreshingly simple and likely already in your pantry, but each one adds something special—bringing just the right balance of texture, flavor, and color. Every bite is a reminder that uncomplicated ingredients can still create something spectacular.

All-purpose flour: Provides the essential structure for your loaf while keeping it light and tender.
Baking soda & baking powder: Work together to give just the right rise and soft crumb.
Salt: Balances sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: These spices add warmth and a lovely aromatic depth that complements both the carrots and apples.
Eggs: Bind everything together and ensure your bread is moist and rich.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf super-moist and tender—no dry bread here!
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor for even more depth and softness.
Granulated sugar: Balances the flavors and ensures the perfect amount of sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and brings in that classic, homey aroma.
Finely grated carrot: Brings in vibrant color, moisture, and a subtle earthiness that truly shines.
Grated apple: Adds natural sweetness and helps keep the bread deliciously moist and flavorful.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a welcome bit of crunch and nutty contrast—feel free to skip if you’re nut-free!

How to Make Carrot Apple Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Before you do anything else, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan well—nothing ruins anticipation like bread stuck to the pan later! A quick swipe of butter or a mist of nonstick spray works perfectly. If you’d like, lining the bottom with parchment makes for the most effortless release.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking ensures everything is evenly combined, so your Carrot Apple Bread bakes up fluffy with evenly distributed flavors and rise.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This step takes just a minute but sets the foundation for a moist, luscious crumb.

Step 4: Add Carrots and Apples

Fold the grated carrots and apples right into the wet mixture. This is where Carrot Apple Bread gets its signature moistness, gentle sweetness, and beautiful flecks of color throughout.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Add your whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour. Over-mixing can lead to a dense loaf, but just-right mixing means your bread will be tender every time.

Step 6: Fold in Nuts (Optional)

If you’re adding walnuts or pecans, gently fold them in now. This gives an extra layer of delicious crunch and toasty flavor, but the bread is just as lovely without them—totally your call!

Step 7: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. When a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The hardest part? Waiting for it to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

How to Serve Carrot Apple Bread

Garnishes

For a simple but stunning finish, dust your Carrot Apple Bread with a shower of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze. A dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese takes every slice over the top. And if you love a little crunch, scatter extra toasted walnuts on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a mug of hot coffee or spicy chai latte for breakfast. For a more indulgent spread, serve alongside tangy Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. It also makes a wonderful addition to a brunch board with cheeses, berries, and honey.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing Carrot Apple Bread thickly and toasting it lightly—then slather with butter or honey for an irresistible treat. For parties or brunches, cut the loaf into cubes and serve with toothpicks for easy finger food. Or, layer slices with mascarpone and berries for an elegant dessert parfait.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Carrot Apple Bread keeps best at room temperature in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and moist for up to three days—just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping to prevent sogginess. A paper towel in the container can help absorb extra moisture and keep the crust from softening.

Freezing

If you want to savor your loaf over a longer period, wrap slices or the whole bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Carrot Apple Bread freezes well for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature or pop individual slices in the toaster straight from the freezer.

Reheating

For that just-baked warmth, microwave a slice for about 10–15 seconds or toast lightly. Warmed Carrot Apple Bread is especially wonderful with a pat of butter or a touch of cream cheese—that aroma will bring everyone to the kitchen!

FAQs

Can I make Carrot Apple Bread without nuts?

Absolutely! The nuts are entirely optional. If you prefer a nut-free loaf or are serving someone with allergies, simply leave them out—the bread remains moist, flavorful, and delicious without any additions.

What type Breakfast, Snack

For the best flavor in Carrot Apple Bread, reach for a sweet-tart apple such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Their natural acidity balances the sweetness and keeps the loaf bright and fresh-tasting.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. The bread will be a bit denser and nuttier in flavor, which works beautifully alongside the carrots and apples.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make vegan Carrot Apple Bread, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed plus 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), and use your favorite plant-based oil. Double-check your sugars, and you’ll have a delightful vegan version.

Why did my Carrot Apple Bread turn out dry?

If your loaf is dry, chances are it was overbaked or the mixture was overmixed. Always test with a toothpick at the minimum bake time, and stir the batter only until just combined to maintain that signature moistness.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sharing a freshly-baked loaf of Carrot Apple Bread—especially when it’s warm from the oven and the spices still linger in the air. Whether you’re new to baking or it’s your weekly tradition, this recipe is equal parts foolproof and unforgettable. Give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears—don’t be surprised if you’re asked to make it again and again!

Carrot Apple Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Carrot Apple Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Packed with grated carrots, apples, and warm spices, this loaf is a delicious treat for any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup finely grated carrot (about 2 medium carrots)
1 cup peeled and grated apple (about 1 medium apple)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Stir in the grated carrot and apple.
Mix the batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped nuts if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

This bread keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Use a sweet-tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor.
Enjoy slices of this bread with a smear of butter or cream cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American