Soft & Moist Carrot Apple

This hearty Carrot Apple Bread combines the warm flavors of carrot cake with sweet apple notes for a deliciously moist quick bread. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even dessert, this no-mixer recipe comes together in minutes and fills your home with irresistible aromas while baking.

I first made this bread during apple season when I had an abundance of both carrots and apples. My family devoured it so quickly I had to immediately make a second loaf. Now it's our go-to recipe whenever we want something comforting and not overly sweet.

Ingredients

• Large egg: provides structure and richness to the bread
• Light brown sugar: packed adds moisture and a caramel note
• Liquid coconut oil: gives moisture without a heavy texture
• Granulated sugar: balances the brown sugar for perfect sweetness
• Sour cream: adds tenderness and a subtle tang
• Vanilla extract: enhances all the flavors
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: create that classic warm spice profile
• All purpose flour: gives the bread its structure
• Baking powder and baking soda: ensure a proper rise
• Grated carrots: bring moisture and natural sweetness
• Grated apples: add fruity sweetness and extra moisture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Pan:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter and flour. This ensures your bread releases perfectly after baking.

Mix Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the egg, brown sugar, coconut oil, granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the mixture looks smooth and well combined. These ingredients create the flavorful base of your bread.

Add Dry Ingredients:

Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with a spatula just until combined. The key here is not to overmix, which would develop too much gluten and make your bread tough instead of tender.

Incorporate Fruits:

Add your grated carrots and apples to the batter and fold very gently. The moisture from these ingredients is what makes this bread so wonderfully tender. Make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Bake To Perfection:

Transfer your thick batter to the prepared pan, smooth the top gently, and bake for 45-52 minutes. The bread is done when the top is golden, the center is set, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Cool Before Slicing:

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the structure to set and makes slicing much easier.

Pin it

The combination of coconut oil and sour cream is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered this pairing years ago and it consistently produces the most tender quick breads. My son once called this the cake you can eat for breakfast without getting in trouble and that pretty much sums it up perfectly.

Preventing Overly Brown Tops

If you notice your bread browning too quickly while baking, simply tent it with aluminum foil after about 35 minutes. This protects the top from getting too dark while allowing the center to finish cooking properly. Every oven runs differently, so visual cues are more important than strict timing.

Amazing Upgrade Options

Transform this already delicious bread into something truly special with a few easy additions. Try slathering a warm slice with honey butter or cinnamon sugar butter for a decadent breakfast treat. For dessert, drizzle slices with a simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting to create a more indulgent experience that highlights the carrot cake flavors.

Pin it

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

This versatile bread works beautifully for multiple occasions. Serve it alongside your morning coffee for breakfast, pack it in lunchboxes for a sweet afternoon treat, or warm a slice and top with vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert. It also makes a wonderful addition to brunch spreads or afternoon tea with friends.

Storage Solutions

Keep your Carrot Apple Bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to extend its life, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. Frozen slices can be thawed at room temperature or quickly warmed in the microwave for 20-30 seconds when you need a quick treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of apples are best for this bread?

Sweet and firm apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work wonderfully as they provide the right texture and natural sweetness.

→ Can I substitute the coconut oil?

Yes, you can use canola or vegetable oil instead of coconut oil for similar results.

→ How long does the bread stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, the bread remains fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to 4 months in the freezer.

→ What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream, adding the same moisture and tanginess to the bread.

→ How do I prevent the bread from browning too much on top?

You can tent the bread with foil around the 35-minute mark to prevent it from over-browning while the center continues to bake.