This Carrot Apple Bread is a delightful fusion of moist carrot cake and apples, creating a soft, tender, and perfectly spiced loaf. With grated carrots and apples, it delivers a natural sweetness and moisture, making it impossible to have a dry loaf. The cinnamon and nutmeg add warm, comforting flavors that make this bread an irresistible treat. Plus, it’s an easy, no-mixer recipe that comes together in minutes and bakes to perfection.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 large egg

• ½ cup light brown sugar (packed)

• ⅓ cup liquid coconut oil (can substitute with canola or vegetable oil)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• Pinch of salt (optional)

• ¾ cup grated carrots (about 1 large carrot)

• ¾ cup grated apples (1 medium unpeeled apple, such as Fuji)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

2. Make the Batter:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, brown sugar, coconut oil, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
   Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold the mixture with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix.
   Fold in the grated carrots and apples until evenly incorporated.

3. Bake the Bread:
   Pour the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 45 to 52 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

4. Cool and Serve:
   Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Nutrients

Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 226

• Carbohydrates: 29g

• Protein: 5g

• Fat: 11g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 18g

The Benefits of Carrots and Apples in Baking

Carrots and apples are two powerhouse ingredients in baking, each contributing unique qualities to the Carrot Apple Bread. Grated carrots, when added to a loaf, provide moisture and a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the other flavors in the bread. They also bring a gentle earthiness, which balances out the richer ingredients. Carrots are also rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, which support healthy vision and immune function, adding a nutritional boost to your treat.

Apples, on the other hand, introduce a natural, juicy sweetness that enhances the overall flavor without being overly sugary. They also add texture to the bread, providing small bursts of flavor in each bite. Using a variety like Fuji apples ensures a slight tartness that balances the sweetness of the carrots and sugars. Apples are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making this bread not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to other sweet baked goods.

Why Cinnamon and Nutmeg Are Essential

The warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg are key to creating the signature flavor of this Carrot Apple Bread. Cinnamon, with its sweet and spicy notes, pairs beautifully with both the carrots and apples, infusing the bread with warmth. It’s a spice that instantly evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia, making this bread perfect for fall mornings or any time you want a cozy, fragrant treat.

Nutmeg, though used in smaller quantities, adds a rich, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor that complements the cinnamon perfectly. Its subtle complexity enhances the depth of the bread’s flavor profile, making each bite more interesting. Together, these two spices are the perfect pair to transform a simple loaf into a satisfying, aromatic dessert or breakfast bread.

The Role of Coconut Oil and Sour Cream

In this recipe, coconut oil plays a significant role in ensuring the bread remains moist and tender. It adds a slight coconut flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spiced elements of the bread. Coconut oil is a healthier fat option, rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can provide a quick source of energy and may offer health benefits when used in moderation. If coconut oil isn’t available, it can easily be substituted with canola or vegetable oil, both of which work just as well without altering the texture or flavor of the bread.

Sour cream, or Greek yogurt, is another ingredient that contributes to the moisture of the bread. It adds richness and tang, balancing out the sweetness of the brown sugar and apples. Sour cream also helps create a soft, tender crumb, making the bread light and easy to slice. If you opt for Greek yogurt, you’ll also get a dose of protein and probiotics, further enhancing the bread’s nutritional value.

Simple Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

What makes this Carrot Apple Bread so easy and delicious is the simplicity of its ingredients. You don’t need a mixer to make this bread—just a few basic pantry items, a whisk, and a spatula are all you need to prepare the batter. The combination of light brown sugar and granulated sugar provides just the right level of sweetness, without being overwhelming. The brown sugar, in particular, adds a touch of molasses flavor, which deepens the taste of the bread and complements the spices.

The dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and baking soda—ensure that the bread rises properly and creates a light, fluffy texture. A pinch of salt, though optional, can enhance the flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots and apples. The best part? This recipe is forgiving, and it’s easy to adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal taste preferences.

How to Make Carrot Apple Bread

Making Carrot Apple Bread is a straightforward process that doesn’t require much time or effort. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper. The greased pan ensures that the bread comes out easily once it’s baked.

Start by whisking together the wet ingredients—egg, light brown sugar, coconut oil, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg—until smooth and well-combined. Then, fold in the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Be careful not to overmix the batter at this stage, as this can lead to a denser loaf. Finally, fold in the grated carrots and apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake the bread for about 45 to 52 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the bread retains its shape and prevents it from becoming too moist or soggy. After it has cooled, slice and enjoy this deliciously moist, flavorful bread!

Tips for Perfect Carrot Apple Bread

While this recipe is easy to follow, there are a few tips that can help ensure your Carrot Apple Bread turns out perfect every time. First, make sure to use freshly grated carrots and apples. Pre-grated options often lose moisture and can result in a drier loaf. The fresher the ingredients, the more moisture they’ll provide.

Second, when grating the apples, it’s important to leave the peel on. The peel contains nutrients and fiber, and it also helps to maintain the texture of the bread. Additionally, grating the apples finely helps them incorporate more evenly into the batter.

Lastly, be mindful of not overbaking the bread. Start checking the bread after 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If it still has some batter on it, give it a few more minutes and check again. Overbaking can lead to a dry loaf, so keep an eye on it during the final stages of baking.

Conclusion

Carrot Apple Bread is the ultimate breakfast treat or snack, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of sweet carrots and apples with warm spices creates a moist and flavorful loaf that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re making it for a cozy morning at home or as a special treat to share with friends and family, this bread is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and an easy, no-mixer method, you’ll be able to whip up this delicious loaf in no time. Plus, the added nutrition from the carrots and apples makes it a healthier option compared to many other sweet baked goods. Give this Carrot Apple Bread a try, and it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection!