Carrot Loaf Recipe

Carrot Loaf Recipe
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Bread Loafs

Carrot Loaf Recipe

"This Carrot Loaf is a wholesome and flavorful treat, combining the natural sweetness of carrots with the warm spices of cinnamon and ginger. The blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour adds a hearty texture, while the honey and applesauce keep it moist and slightly sweet. Optional walnuts add a delightful crunch, making this loaf a perfect choice for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert."

Did You Know?
 Carrot loaf is a delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants, which are beneficial for eye health, digestion, and overall well-being. Using honey and applesauce as natural sweeteners not only enhances the flavor but also reduces the need for refined sugar. Whole wheat flour adds extra nutrients and a nutty flavor, making this loaf both tasty and nutritious.

Yield: 10 slices

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup applesauce
  • 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, honey, applesauce, grapeseed oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Fold in Carrots and Walnuts: Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts (if using).
  6. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice): Calories, 200, Protein, 4g, Carbohydrates, 30g, Fiber, 3g, Net Carbohydrates, 27g, Fat, 8g, Saturated Fat, 1g, Cholesterol, 30mg, Sodium, 200mg, Sugars, 15g, Glycemic Index, Medium

Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money:

  1. Choosing Carrots: Use fresh, firm carrots for the best flavor and texture. Organic carrots are a great option if available.
  2. Grating Carrots: Use a box grater or a food processor to grate the carrots quickly and easily. Grating them finely helps them blend well into the batter.
  3. Substituting Ingredients: For a dairy-free version, use a non-dairy yogurt instead of applesauce. You can also substitute grapeseed oil with another mild-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil.
  4. Enhancing Flavor: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a fresh citrus note. You can also sprinkle a bit of shredded coconut on top before baking for added texture and flavor.
  5. Storing Leftovers: Store leftover carrot loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat as needed.
  6. Serving Suggestions: Serve the carrot loaf warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spread of cream cheese. It's also delicious with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkling of powdered sugar.
  7. Cost-Saving Tips: Buy carrots and other ingredients in bulk to save money. Store them properly to keep them fresh longer. Using store-brand ingredients can also reduce costs without compromising quality.
  8. Even Baking: Rotate the loaf pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking. This helps prevent the edges from over-browning while the center bakes through.
  9. Perfect Texture: For a finer texture, you can sift the flours before mixing them with the other dry ingredients. This helps to aerate the flour and remove any lumps.
  10. Adding Crunch: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, add more chopped nuts or seeds to the batter. Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds work well in this recipe.

By following these tips, you can create a delicious and nutritious Carrot Loaf that is both wholesome and budget-friendly. Enjoy this flavorful loaf while making smart choices in the kitchen!