Carrot Cake Bread Recipe

There's something magical about the smell of fresh baked goods filling your kitchen on a Sunday morning. If you've been searching for the perfect Carrot Cake Bread Recipe, you've just found your new favorite treat. This moist carrot loaf cake combines everything you love about traditional carrot cake with the simplicity of quick bread. Unlike complicated layer cakes that require hours of work, this Carrot Cake Bread Recipe comes together in one bowl and bakes while you enjoy your coffee.

I've been making this Carrot Cake Bread Recipe for years, tweaking it until it became the go-to breakfast bread in my home. The secret? Fresh shredded carrots that keep the loaf incredibly moist, warm spices that make your house smell like a bakery, and a tangy cream cheese glaze that takes it over the top. Whether you're looking for an easy Sunday baking project or need something special for brunch guests, this Carrot Cake Bread Recipe delivers every single time.

What Makes This Carrot Loaf Cake Special

This isn't just another quick bread recipe; it's a carefully balanced combination of wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavors. The beauty of this Carrot Cake Bread Recipe lies in its versatility. You can enjoy it warm from the oven with butter, serve it as a dessert with extra glaze, or pack slices for an on-the-go breakfast. The natural sweetness from carrots means you can reduce sugar without sacrificing taste, making it a healthier option compared to most sweet breads.

What sets this moist carrot bread apart is the texture. Each slice is tender and packed with finely shredded carrots that practically melt into the crumb. The warm spices; cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger; create that classic carrot cake flavor we all crave. Add crunchy walnuts for texture, and you've got a loaf that checks every box. This Carrot Cake Bread Recipe has become my answer to "what should I bake this weekend?" because it's foolproof, forgiving, and absolutely delicious.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Cooking Tips
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
• FAQ
• Keep the Baking Going
• Related
• Pairing
• Carrot Cake Bread Recipe

Ingredients

For the Carrot Bread

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground ginger
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Finely shredded carrots
• Chopped walnuts (optional)
• Raisins (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• Vanilla extract
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Milk

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Preparing Your Kitchen and Ingredients

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from the moment your bread goes in.
2. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This makes removing the bread foolproof.
3. Wash and peel your carrots, then shred them using the fine side of a box grater or food processor. Pat them lightly with paper towels if they're very wet.
4. Measure all your dry ingredients and have them ready. This makes the mixing process smooth and quick.

Mixing the Carrot Bread Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, beat together both sugars and oil until smooth and slightly lighter in color (about 1 minute with a hand mixer).
3. Add eggs one at a time to the wet mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until just combined; don't overmix or your bread will be tough.
5. Fold in shredded carrots, walnuts, and raisins until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Baking Your Carrot Cake Bread Recipe to Perfection

1. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
3. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
4. Check the bread at the 40-minute mark; if the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil.
5. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Cream Cheese Glaze

1. Stir in vanilla extract, then drizzle generously over the cooled bread.
2. Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
3. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until fully incorporated and lump-free.
4. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency; it should be thick but pourable.

Expert Cooking Tips

Getting the Perfect Texture

• The key to moist carrot bread lies in how you prepare your carrots. Always use freshly shredded carrots rather than pre-shredded bags from the store. Pre-shredded carrots are often dry and coated with preservatives that affect texture. Shred your carrots just before mixing the batter to lock in moisture.

Avoiding Dense, Heavy Bread

• One of the biggest mistakes home bakers make is overmixing the batter. Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix only until you can't see dry flour anymore. Overmixing develops gluten, which makes your bread tough and dense. Use a gentle folding motion with a spatula rather than aggressive stirring.

Temperature Matters

• Use room temperature eggs; they incorporate better into the batter and create a more uniform texture
• Don't skip preheating your oven; starting with the right temperature ensures even rising
• Let your bread cool completely before glazing or it will melt and run off

Sugar Adjustments

• You can reduce the sugar in this recipe by up to ¼ cup without significantly affecting texture. The carrots provide natural sweetness, so if you prefer less sweet breads, start with ¾ cup total sugar. You can also substitute half the white sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Testing for Doneness

The toothpick test is your best friend, but look for these signs too:

• The top should spring back when lightly pressed
• The edges should pull away slightly from the pan
• The bread should smell wonderfully spiced and sweet
• Internal temperature should read 200-205°F on an instant-read thermometer

Preventing Soggy Bottom

• Always use parchment paper on the bottom of your pan. This creates a barrier that prevents excess moisture from making the bottom soggy. Also, make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center; too low and the bottom cooks too fast.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Making It Healthier

• This Carrot Cake Bread Recipe adapts beautifully to healthier ingredients. Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients. The bread will be slightly denser but more filling. You can substitute the oil with equal amounts of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana, though this will create a slightly different texture; more cake-like and less rich.
• For a protein boost, add ¼ cup of Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients and reduce the oil by 2 tablespoons. This creates an incredibly moist carrot loaf cake while adding protein and probiotics.

Dietary Modifications

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper binding. The texture will be nearly identical to the original.
• Vegan Carrot Cake Bread: Replace eggs with flax eggs (3 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 9 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes). Use dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze and substitute milk with almond or oat milk.
• Low-Sugar Option: Cut the sugar in half and add an extra ½ cup of shredded apple for natural sweetness. You can also use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.

Flavor Variations

• Tropical Twist: Add ½ cup crushed pineapple (well-drained) and replace walnuts with macadamia nuts. Swap half the carrots for shredded coconut.
• Carrot Zucchini Bread: Replace 1 cup of carrots with 1 cup of shredded zucchini for extra moisture and vegetables.
• Spice It Up: Add ¼ teaspoon of cardamom and increase ginger to ½ teaspoon for a chai-spiced version.
• Chocolate Lover's Version: Fold in ¾ cup of chocolate chips and reduce sugar by 2 tablespoons.

Nut and Mix-In Options

Not a fan of walnuts? Try these alternatives:

• Pecans create a sweeter, buttery flavor
• Almonds add a subtle sophistication
• Leave nuts out entirely for nut-free schools and allergies
• Add sunflower seeds for crunch without tree nuts

For mix-ins beyond raisins, consider dried cranberries, chopped dates, or crystallized ginger for extra zing.

Equipment Recommendations

• 9x5-inch Loaf Pan ; the standard size for this carrot cake loaf recipe ensures proper baking time and shape (metal pans work better than glass for even browning)
• Box Grater or Food Processor ; essential for shredding carrots finely and quickly; the food processor saves time and creates uniform pieces
• Mixing Bowls ; at least two medium-large bowls for separating wet and dry ingredients
• Whisk and Spatula ; whisk for dry ingredients, flexible spatula for gentle folding
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer ; makes creaming sugar and oil easier, though you can do it by hand with a wooden spoon
• Parchment Paper ; prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless
• Wire Cooling Rack ; allows air to circulate around the bread for even cooling
• Instant-Read Thermometer ; optional but helpful for testing doneness accurately
• Measuring Cups and Spoons ; accurate measurements are crucial for baking success

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Storing at Room Temperature

• Keep your carrot bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container. It will stay moist at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you've added the cream cheese glaze, refrigeration is recommended after the first day to prevent the dairy from spoiling.

Refrigerator Storage

• This Carrot Cake Bread Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to one week. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag for easy grab-and-go breakfasts. The bread actually becomes more flavorful after a day as the spices meld together. Let slices come to room temperature for 15 minutes before eating, or warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze this moist carrot bread for up to 3 months with perfect results. Here's how:

• Let the bread cool completely before freezing
• Wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil
• Alternatively, slice the bread and freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in freezer bags
• Label with the date so you remember when you made it

To Thaw: Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator. You can also microwave individual slices for 30-40 seconds straight from frozen.

Meal Prep Tips

• This recipe is perfect for weekly meal prep. Bake two loaves on Sunday; keep one for the current week and freeze the second. Slice before freezing for easier portion control. The bread also makes excellent French toast; just dip slices in egg mixture and cook until golden for a decadent breakfast.

FAQ

Keep the Baking Going

Now that you've mastered this incredible Carrot Cake Bread Recipe, your kitchen is probably smelling amazing and you're feeling inspired to bake more. The beauty of quick breads is how versatile and forgiving they are. Once you understand the basic technique, you can adapt it to countless variations. This moist carrot loaf cake proves that healthy ingredients can create something truly indulgent and satisfying.

If you loved this recipe, you'll definitely want to try our Cheddar Bread Recipe next. It's a savory twist on quick bread that's perfect for soups and salads. The sharp cheddar creates an incredibly flavorful loaf that disappears fast at any gathering. And don't miss our Dried Tomato Bread Recipe; it's another savory option that brings Mediterranean flavors to your bread basket. Both recipes use similar techniques to this Carrot Cake Bread Recipe, so you'll feel confident tackling them. Happy baking, and don't forget to save this recipe for your next Sunday morning treat!

With love and happy baking
By Lisa Johnson 🥕

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Carrot Cake Bread Recipe