Moist Carrot Bread Recipe
If you love the comforting flavors of carrot cake but want something a little more rustic and easy to slice, this Moist Carrot Bread is your go-to treat. Packed with grated carrots, warm spices, and a tender crumb, this loaf is incredibly soft, flavorful, and just sweet enough. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love This Carrot Bread
- Super moist and tender thanks to fresh carrots and oil
- Simple to make with everyday ingredients
- Filled with flavor from cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla
- Customizable with add-ins like nuts, raisins, or coconut
- Stays fresh for days and freezes beautifully
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely grated carrots (about 3–4 medium carrots)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or shredded coconut

Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, mix together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined and smooth.
- Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined don’t overmix.
- Fold in the grated carrots and any optional add-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 into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
Calories: Approx. 280
Servings: 10 slices
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
How to Serve Moist Carrot Bread
- Warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese
- Topped with a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting for a dessert feel
- Sliced and toasted for a cozy breakfast
- Served with coffee or tea for a midday treat
- As a base for French toast for a decadent twist
Additional Tips
- Grate carrots finely for best moisture and texture
- Use fresh carrots, not pre-shredded ones they’re too dry
- Don’t overmix the batter, or the bread may become tough
- Let it cool completely before slicing for clean, even pieces
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for 5–6 days
- Freeze slices individually for grab-and-go breakfast
FAQ’s
1. Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce by about ¼ cup total, but it may affect texture and sweetness.
4. What oil is best?
Vegetable, canola, or melted coconut oil all work well.
5. Can I use applesauce instead of oil?
You can replace up to half the oil with applesauce for a lighter version.
6. How do I prevent a sunken center?
Make sure your oven is fully preheated and don’t open the door too early during baking.
7. Can I double the recipe?
Yes divide into two pans or adjust baking time for a larger loaf.
8. Can I make muffins instead?
Yes! Fill muffin cups ¾ full and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
9. Can I add pineapple or coconut?
Definitely! Add ¼ cup crushed pineapple (well drained) or shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
10. Can I frost it?
Of course a light cream cheese glaze or full frosting turns it into a decadent dessert.
Conclusion
This Moist Carrot Bread is everything you love about carrot cake, simplified into a cozy, sliceable loaf. It’s spiced just right, lusciously moist, and versatile enough for breakfast or dessert. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with a glaze, it’s a classic you’ll come back to again and again.
Print
Moist Carrot Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Moist Carrot Bread is a tender, spiced quick bread packed with shredded carrots, warm cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla. It’s easy to make and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups finely shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained (optional but recommended)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs with the oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Fold in the shredded carrots, pineapple, and nuts if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can freeze carrot bread for up to 3 months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Add raisins or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
- Use freshly grated carrots for the best moisture and flavor—avoid pre-shredded carrots.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: carrot bread, quick bread, moist carrot loaf, breakfast bread, homemade carrot cake loaf