This moist and nutritious carrot bread combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the richness of almond flour, creating a wholesome treat that’s perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Inspired by traditional carrot cake but reimagined as a healthier, gluten-free alternative, this bread delivers both nutrition and satisfaction in every slice.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 80ml (⅓ cup) unsweetened apple sauce
- 60ml (¼ cup) honey
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) avocado oil or melted coconut oil
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 200g (2 cups) almond flour
- 15g (2 tablespoons) coconut flour
- 7g (1½ teaspoons) baking powder
- 2.5g (½ teaspoon) baking soda
- 2.5g (½ teaspoon) ground cinnamon
- Pinch fine sea salt
- 100g (1 cup) grated carrots (approximately 2 medium carrots)
Optional Add-ins (Choose Your Favorites):
- 75g (½ cup) raisins
- 85g (½ cup) mini chocolate chips
- 40g (⅓ cup) chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional Maple Glaze:
- 60g (½ cup) organic powdered sugar
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) maple syrup
- 15-30ml (1-2 tablespoons) almond milk
- 2.5ml (½ teaspoon) maple extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparation
- Preheat oven to 177°C (350°F)
- Line 8″x5″ (20x13cm) loaf pan with parchment paper, creating a sling
- Grate carrots using fine grater holes
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In large bowl, combine:
- Eggs
- Applesauce
- Honey
- Oil
- Vanilla extract
- Whisk until well blended
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
- Add to wet ingredients:
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Whisk until smooth batter forms
4. Final Assembly
- Fold in grated carrots
- Add chosen mix-ins
- Pour into prepared pan
- Smooth top with spatula
5. Baking
- Bake 45-50 minutes
- Test with toothpick for doneness
- Cool completely in pan
6. Optional Glazing
- Whisk glaze ingredients
- Adjust consistency with almond milk
- Pour over cooled bread
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 12 slices, without add-ins)
- Calories: 165
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 8g
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 45-50 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 2 hours
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Squeeze excess moisture from grated carrots
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation
- Don’t overmix after adding dry ingredients
- Test doneness in center of loaf
- Cool completely before glazing
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace honey with maple syrup for vegan option
- Swap cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice
- Add orange zest for citrus twist
- Use different nuts: macadamia, pistachios
- Add shredded coconut for texture
- Include dried cranberries instead of raisins
Common FAQs
Q: Can I make this bread egg-free?
A: This recipe relies heavily on eggs for structure. For best results, use the recipe as written with eggs.
Q: How do I store this bread?
A: Store in airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerate up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze this bread?
A: Yes, wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
Q: Why use both almond and coconut flour?
A: The combination provides optimal texture – almond flour for moisture, coconut flour for structure.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Room Temperature Storage
- Keep unglazed bread in airtight container up to 3 days
- If glazed, refrigerate after 24 hours
Refrigerator Storage
- Store up to 1 week
- Bring to room temperature before serving
- Wrap tightly to prevent drying
Freezer Storage
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap
- Place in freezer bag
- Label with date
- Store up to 3 months
Make-Ahead Tips
- Grate carrots in advance and store in refrigerator
- Mix dry ingredients ahead and store in airtight container
- Prepare glaze day of serving
- Freeze unglazed bread for longer storage
This healthy carrot bread offers a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence. Its gluten-free nature makes it accessible to those with dietary restrictions, while the natural sweetness and moisture from carrots and applesauce create a satisfying treat that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
