There’s something so comforting about a warm, moist slice of carrot bread fresh out of the oven. It’s soft, lightly spiced, and packed with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert, this carrot bread is an absolute treat!
I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because it’s easy, foolproof, and incredibly delicious. If you love classic carrot cake but want something simpler, this bread is for you! Plus, it stays moist for days—no dry crumbs here!
Let’s get baking! And if you love easy, homemade baked goods, make sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss a recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Moist Carrot Bread
There are plenty of reasons to adore this carrot bread recipe
- Super moist texture – Thanks to shredded carrots, oil, and brown sugar, this bread is incredibly soft
- Perfectly spiced – A cozy mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla gives it that classic carrot cake flavor
- Quick & easy – No fancy techniques required—just mix and bake
- Versatile – Enjoy it plain, add nuts or raisins, or even top it with a glaze
And let’s not forget the flavor—it’s rich, slightly sweet, and full of warm, comforting spices. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea!
Ingredients for the Best Moist Carrot Bread
You only need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients for this recipe
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (for extra moisture!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup shredded coconut
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk and spatula
- Grater (for the carrots)
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper (for easy removal)
How to Make Moist Carrot Bread
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal
Peel and grate the carrots using a fine grater. Avoid pre-shredded carrots from the store—they’re too dry!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth
4. Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together with a spatula. Do not overmix! A few streaks of flour are okay
Stir in the shredded carrots (and any add-ins like nuts or raisins). The batter will be thick!
5. Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely
What to Serve with Moist Carrot Bread
This carrot bread is perfect on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, try these ideas
- A smear of butter – Simple, classic, and delicious
- Cream cheese frosting – Like carrot cake in loaf form
- Honey or maple syrup drizzle – For extra sweetness
- Greek yogurt and berries – A balanced, slightly tangy contrast
Tips for the Perfect Moist Carrot Bread
- Use fresh carrots – They add natural sweetness and moisture. Avoid pre-shredded carrots
- Don’t overmix – Stir the batter gently to keep it tender
- Check for doneness – Use a toothpick to test; it should come out clean
- Let it cool completely – This helps the flavors develop and prevents it from falling apart
How to Store Carrot Bread
- At room temperature Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- In the fridge Keeps well for up to a week
- Freezing Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then store in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months
To reheat, microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast for a slightly crispy edge!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this carrot bread without eggs?
Yes! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water per egg) or use mashed banana or extra applesauce
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the bread will be denser. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best texture
Can I add a glaze on top?
Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese drizzle works beautifully
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce, use extra oil, mashed banana, or Greek yogurt for moisture
Give This Carrot Bread a Try!
This moist carrot bread is the perfect mix of cozy spices, natural sweetness, and soft texture. It’s easy to make and even easier to love! Whether you enjoy it plain, with a smear of butter, or topped with frosting, it’s a recipe worth making again and again
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your photos on Pinterest Happy baking!
More Delicious Baked Goods to Try
🍎 Flourless Apple Cinnamon Cake – A naturally sweet and gluten-free treat!
🥥 Spiced Coconut Sweet Bread – A flavorful, tropical-inspired loaf
🥕 Carrot Raisin Oatmeal Yogurt Cake – A wholesome, moist, and nutritious option!
Print
Moist Carrot Bread Recipe – Soft, Spiced, and Irresistible
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This moist carrot bread is soft, lightly spiced, and packed with natural sweetness from fresh carrots. It’s incredibly easy to make and stays tender for days! Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this loaf has all the flavors of classic carrot cake without the fuss. Serve it plain, with butter, or add a simple glaze for an extra treat!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups grated carrots (about 3 medium carrots)
Optional Add-ins:
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup raisins
½ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg
In another bowl, whisk together oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together with a spatula. Do not overmix!
Stir in the grated carrots (and any optional add-ins) until evenly combined
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 the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely
Slice and enjoy plain or with your favorite toppings!
Notes
Use fresh carrots – Pre-shredded store-bought carrots are too dry. Freshly grated carrots add moisture
Don’t overmix – Gently fold the ingredients to keep the bread soft and tender
Customize it – Add nuts, raisins, coconut, or even a cream cheese drizzle for extra flavor
Storage – Keep at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 50
- Category: Quick Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: moist carrot bread, easy carrot bread, spiced carrot bread, carrot loaf, homemade carrot bread, carrot cake bread, quick bread recipe, healthy carrot bread