Name: Moist Carrot Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups finely grated carrots; ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter); ¾ cup granulated sugar (or half white, half brown sugar); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; Chopped walnuts or pecans; Raisins; Shredded coconut

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 43 reviews

If you have a soft spot for sweet, tender treats that make your kitchen smell like comfort itself, then this Moist Carrot Bread Recipe is about to be your new favorite. It’s everything you love about carrot cake, but in a quick bread form that’s perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or even a simple dessert. The freshly grated carrots infuse each bite with natural sweetness and moisture, while a blend of warm spices adds that nostalgic flavor you crave. Whether you’re baking for family or just treating yourself, this carrot bread delivers on texture and taste every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight white bowls and two eggs placed on a white marbled surface. One large bowl in the center holds white flour, surrounded by smaller bowls with light brown sugar, orange shredded carrot, rolled oats, crushed pineapple, and a dark liquid ingredient. Two eggs are placed near the bowls on the left side. The textures vary from powdery flour to moist shredded carrot and smooth crushed pineapple. The arrangement is neat, with all ingredients clearly visible and organized. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Moist Carrot Bread Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of moistness, tenderness, and spice that sets this bread apart. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

1½ cups finely grated carrots: The heart of the recipe, providing moisture, sweetness, and that lovely orange color.
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter): Keeps the bread rich and tender without overpowering the flavor.
¾ cup granulated sugar (or half white, half brown sugar): Adds sweetness; using brown sugar brings a subtle molasses note.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s structure and softness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, giving it a sweet aromatic hint.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise nicely and stay light.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Provides additional lift and keeps the crumb airy.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and maximizes all the flavors.
1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Warming spice that pairs perfectly with carrots.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth and a hint of earthiness.
1¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together.
Optional add-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or shredded coconut: For extra texture and bursts of flavor.

How to Make Moist Carrot Bread Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper so your bread comes out cleanly without sticking. A well-prepped pan ensures your loaf keeps its perfect shape.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk the vegetable oil and sugar together until well combined and slightly fluffy. Then add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finish by stirring in the vanilla extract. This mixture sets the stage for a moist and flavorful bread.

Step 3: Add Grated Carrots

Fold the finely grated carrots gently into the wet mixture, distributing them evenly. This step brings moisture and the characteristic sweetness that makes this carrot bread so wonderfully soft.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle the baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg right over the batter. Stir just enough to incorporate these spices and leavening agents without overmixing, which helps keep the texture tender and light.

Step 5: Fold in Flour and Optional Add-ins

Slowly add the all-purpose flour, folding it in gently until no streaks remain. Be careful not to overwork the batter here. If you’re using nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut, fold them in now for extra texture and flavor surprises.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top out evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. To prevent over-browning, tent the loaf loosely with foil during the last 10 to 15 minutes if necessary.

Step 7: Cool Completely Before Slicing

Once baked, let the carrot bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully. This step is essential to help the bread set up properly and slice beautifully without crumbling.

How to Serve Moist Carrot Bread Recipe

Moist Carrot Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

For a little extra charm, consider sprinkling your carrot bread with a dusting of powdered sugar, a smear of cream cheese frosting, or a handful of chopped nuts. These simple touches elevate the experience and make your bread feel like a special treat at any time of day.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. If serving for breakfast or brunch, add some fresh fruit or a small spread of butter or honey to complement the flavor and make your meal complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread and serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt topped with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of toasted coconut. Alternatively, turn slices into mini sandwiches with cream cheese and sliced strawberries for a fun twist kids and adults will both love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Moist Carrot Bread is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to three days this way, perfect if you want to enjoy it over multiple days without losing that moist texture.

Freezing

This carrot bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to indulge.

Reheating

Warm up slices either in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a toaster oven for a crispy outside with a soft inside. Reheating highlights the spices and revives that irresistible moist crumb.

FAQs

Can I substitute oil with butter in this Moist Carrot Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Melted butter works wonderfully in place of vegetable oil and adds a richer flavor. Just keep the quantity the same and you’ll maintain the bread’s tender crumb.

What’s the best way to grate carrots to keep the bread moist?

Using finely grated carrots is key—as opposed to shredded chunks—because finer grating releases more moisture into the batter, making your carrot bread extra soft and tender.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the recipe?

Yes! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or even shredded coconut is a great way to add texture and bursts of flavor. Just fold them in gently before baking.

How do I know my carrot bread is fully baked?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The bread will also pull away slightly from the sides of the pan, and the top should be golden brown.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Definitely! This Moist Carrot Bread Recipe contains no meat or animal derivatives aside from eggs, making it perfect for a vegetarian diet.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a slice of homemade carrot bread fresh from the oven, and this Moist Carrot Bread Recipe promises to become a beloved classic in your kitchen. With its tender crumb, warming spices, and natural sweetness, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to bake again and again. So dust off your loaf pan, grate those carrots finely, and enjoy every delightful bite of this simple yet soul-satisfying treat.