I haven’t played much with yeast on this blog. I love making English muffins, last year’s Easter treat was Hot Cross Buns, and occasionally I whip up a quick-rise pizza crust, but that’s about it. I promise one day I will get more into yeast breads – one of my New Year’s Resolutions was to bake a homemade, fresh loaf of crusty bread this year. But fresh and crusty yeast breads take a lot of time, and a lot of patience. And I’m not often a patient person.
Luckily, quick breads are an impatient baker’s dream; they usually come together in an hour, not up to a day like yeast breads. We’ve all had banana bread and zucchini bread, but I recently saw something I’m ashamed I never thought of myself: carrot bread.
And I’m sorry I didn’t think of it sooner, because it’s incredible. This is a dense, slightly sweet bread, not a carrot cake. Much like zucchini or banana bread, the carrots ensure a moist bread that’s still a little reminiscent of carrot cake. But still not quite cake. Not that this should deter you – it may not be cake but it’s still darn good. Using all brown sugar lends a deep flavor and a slight of hint molasses; it also gives the crust a sweet crispness. The orange zest brightens the overall flavor and also serves to highlight the taste of the sweet carrots.
It’s also full of whole wheat flour and only has a little butter (4 tablespoons in the whole loaf!). Next time I might try most, if not all, whole wheat flour and see how it turns out. I also loved the use of a handful or so of sliced almonds, which gave the bread a nice bit of crunch, but you can substitute other nuts like walnuts, or leave the nuts out completely.
On a related note: I updated the Recipe Archive; you’ll find it much easier to navigate!
One year ago: Florentines
Brown Sugar Carrot Bread with Almonds
Adapted from Mark Bittman with some inspiration from Ravie Nom Noms (great blog, you should check her out!)
Makes 1 loaf, 10-12 slices; would also make 12 absolutely delicious standard size muffins (if making muffins, I suggest dropping the baking time to 20 to 25 minutes)
The almonds can be replaced with another nut, or nuts can be omitted.
Total time: 1 hr 15 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup (half stick) butter, cold
1 cup buttermilk or almond milk
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup sliced almonds (or another nut well-chopped, such as walnuts)
Baking non-stick spray
1. Preheat oven to 350º F. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with butter, or spray the pan generously with baking spray.
-
Stir together the dry ingredients, through the brown sugar. Cut the butter into small pieces, then use a fork, 2 knives, or your fingers to cut or rub it into the dry ingredients until there are no pieces bigger than a small pea. I used a food processor for this step, which makes it much easier, but you should not use a food processor for the remaining steps or the bread will be tough.
-
Whisk together the milk, zest, almond extract (if using) and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just enough to moisten; do not beat and do not mix until the batter is smooth. Fold in the shredded carrot and the nuts, then spoon the batter into the loaf pan. Bake for about an hour, or until the bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes before removing from the pan, and cool completely before slicing.
Looks great! I am glad I could help inspire you! 🙂 Have a great week!
I’m so glad I found your site, you come up with such recipes! Can’t wait to see what comes next!
This looks wonderful! I’m actually posting a carrot muffin tomorrow that I made from carrot pulp from my juicing!
Yum, can’t wait to see it!
Oh my, this sounds like pure heaven! I have to agree…I can’t believe I never thought of this before! This is exactly what I need on my Easter dinner table.
I was just thinking I need to make my apple-carrot muffins again, but this loaf looks so amazing I may have to shift gears and try it instead! Great addition of the orange zest – this is just too perfect for Easter weekend!
This bread sounds incredible! I’m not the biggest fan of carrot cakes but I can totally see myself enjoying a nice toasty slice of this carrot bread! Wonderful recipe!
By the way I wanted to let you know that I’ve really enjoyed reading your blog and I’ve given you an award…http://nycityeats.com/wordpress/4640/smores-mug-cake-versatile-blogger-awards/. Don’t feel obligated to follow the rules, I wanted to let you know that I really love your blog & your blogging skills! 🙂
I just sent this recipe to my mum and asked her to make it for me!
Quick breads are always nice to make and this carrot one sounds wonderful!
Definitely one way to wat my carrots is through delicious looking bread! Much loved 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
This looks so yummy!
That looks absolutely delicious–look at those threads of carrot! And I far prefer baked goods with brown sugar rather than white.
This sounds divine! Sweet brown sugar and crunchy carrots strips LOVE
Mmm, that sounds like a delicious treat 🙂 What a great way to spice up carrot bread.
delicious flavourful bread
delicious looking bread
Looks wonderful and I bet would be great with zucchini later this summer too.
I love brown sugar & carrots, delish!
That looks delicious! I have an overabundance of carrots in my fridge – this looks like a good use for them!
This is carrot bread done right! Looks divine, thanks for sharing! Gorgeous shots too. Have a good one =]
Ooh. I’m loving this recipe!
Hi Mary Ellen,
Thank you for another fantastic recipe!! I don’t comment on your blog enough, but read it regularly, and many of your recipes have become staples in my baking repertoire 🙂 So impressed you stuck with it while having a demanding day job!
I made this bread over the weekend, and it’s been a huge hit with everyone. The sliced almonds work amazingly well here – never would have thought to use them in a carrot recipe!
I hear you re reluctance to get involved with yeast breads – I still fear them. But check out this whole wheat bread recipe http://allrecipes.com/recipe/simple-whole-wheat-bread/. This is the first bread I have ever made, and it is surprisingly easy and fun. I made it many times since, and everyone loves it. If you are going to try this recipe, read the comments on allrecipes – they are full of useful tips and substitution suggestions. I’d be happy to send you my list of the modifications as well, if you are interested.
xo,
Marina
I recently made a carrot peach bread from Southern Living that was really, really good. I added a streusel to the top. I’ll try yours to compare but add the peaches.