Homemade Carrot Bread (Classic Quick Bread Recipe)

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick: As a quick bread, this recipe doesn’t require the time-consuming process of kneading and rising that traditional breads do. Just mix the batter, pour it into the pan, and let it bake. It’s a quick and satisfying way to enjoy homemade bread.

Versatile: This recipe is versatile and can be customized to your liking. Don’t have walnuts? Substitute with pecans. Not a fan of raisins? Leave them out. You can even add a creamy cream cheese frosting on top for an extra layer of deliciousness. You can use the frosting from this carrot cake.

Delicious: This carrot bread is not just easy and quick, it’s incredibly tasty too. The sweetness of the carrots, combined with the tanginess of the lemon and the crunch of the walnuts, creates a flavor profile that’s truly delightful.

Crowd pleaser: Whether it’s for an Easter gathering, a family dessert, or a simple breakfast treat, this carrot bread is a real crowd-pleaser. Even those who aren’t usually fans of vegetables will find it hard to resist a slice of this yummy bread.

Key Ingredients

All-purpose flour: This is the main dry ingredient that will provide the structure for our carrot bread. When combined with the baking powder, it will help our quick bread rise and create a soft, fluffy texture.

Baking powder: Acting as our leavening agent, baking powder is crucial in helping our carrot bread rise. It reacts with the other ingredients to produce bubbles of carbon dioxide, which expand in the oven and give our bread its volume and lightness.

Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, balancing the sweetness and bringing out the taste of the carrots and nuts.

Granulated sugar: This will sweeten our bread, while also helping to give it a tender and moist texture.

Melted butter: The fat in this recipe gives our carrot bread a rich, buttery flavor. It also helps to keep the bread moist and tender.

Milk: This adds moisture to the batter, helping to create a moist and tender bread.

Large eggs: They act as a binding agent, holding all the other ingredients together. Make sure they are at room temperature so they incorporate more easily into the batter.

Finely grated carrot: The star of our carrot bread recipe. It adds moisture and sweetness to the bread. Remember to shred the carrots thinly and avoid using store-bought shredded carrots as they can be too dry.

Grated lemon peel: This adds a touch of citrus flavor to the bread, creating a refreshing contrast with the sweet carrots and raisins.

Walnuts: They add a nice crunch and flavor to our carrot bread. Feel free to substitute with pecans if you prefer.

Raisins: These add a sweet, fruity element to our bread. They pair wonderfully with the carrots and spices, adding depth and complexity to the overall flavor.

Equipment

Large Bowl – This is essential for mixing the flour, baking powder, and salt, but also for combining the sugar, butter, and eggs. You’ll be doing a lot of stirring in this bowl, so make sure it’s big enough to hold all the ingredients.

Loaf Pan – A loaf pan, specifically a 9x5x2 ¾ inch loaf pan, is the perfect container for your carrot bread batter. Be sure to grease it well before pouring in the batter, this will ensure your bread comes out easily once it’s baked. 

Electric or stand mixer – An electric or stand mixer is ideal for beating the sugar, butter, and eggs together. It helps to incorporate air into the mixture, making your carrot bread light and fluffy.

Wire Rack – Once your carrot bread is baked, you’ll need a wire rack to let it cool. This allows air to circulate around the bread, preventing it from becoming soggy as it cools.

Expert Tips

Grate your own carrots: For this carrot bread recipe, it’s best to finely grate your own carrots. Store-bought shredded carrots tend to be too dry and may not provide the moist texture you’re aiming for in this quick bread. 

Rest before baking: After you pour the batter into the loaf pan, let it stand for about ten minutes before you bake. This resting period allows the ingredients to settle and results in a more evenly baked loaf.

Just moisten the flour: When combining the flour mixture with the wet ingredients, stir until the flour is just moistened. Overmixing can result in a denser, less tender loaf.

Use fresh lemon peel: The grated lemon peel in this recipe adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots. Make sure you’re using fresh lemons for maximum flavor.

Recipe Variations

Leave out the nuts and raisins: If you’re not a fan of nuts or have an allergy, simply omit the walnuts from the recipe. Similarly, you can also leave out the raisins if you don’t like them. This variation will still deliver a moist and flavorful carrot bread, with a more straightforward carrot flavor. 

Make it Dairy-free: For those who are lactose intolerant or prefer dairy-free options, omit the milk from the recipe. This will result in a slightly drier loaf, but the delicious flavors of the carrot and spices will still shine through.

Switch to Vegetable Oil: If you’re out of butter or prefer using oil, substitute the melted butter with an equivalent amount of vegetable oil. While the flavor may not be as rich, the carrot bread will still be moist and delicious.

Boost the Spice: For a more traditional spiced carrot bread, try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg and cinnamon each to the batter. This will give the bread a warm, spiced flavor that beautifully complements the sweetness of the carrots and raisins.

What to Serve With

• Turn this carrot bread into a delicious dessert by slathering it with cream cheese frosting. The rich, creamy texture of the frosting combined with the moist, nutty flavor of the bread is a match made in heaven.
• Carrot bread makes a fantastic companion to your afternoon tea. Its subtle sweetness and hint of lemon pair beautifully with a cup of your favorite black or herbal tea.
• Planning an Easter brunch? This carrot bread, with its festive touch of grated carrot and walnuts, makes a wonderful addition to your menu. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your dishes!

Storing and Reheating

Refrigerate: If you have leftover carrot bread, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This quick bread recipe stays fresh for about a week when refrigerated. 

Reheat Instructions: When you’re ready to enjoy your carrot bread again, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. You can also warm a slice in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes or pop it in the toaster for a quick warm-up.

Freeze: Carrot bread freezes well, too. Wrap your loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then put them in a ziploc bag and freeze. This method will keep your bread fresh for up to three months.

Thawing Instructions: Thaw your frozen carrot bread at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, you can also defrost a slice in the microwave for a few seconds. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can affect the texture and flavor.