Whole Wheat Apple Walnut Carrot Bread

Whole Wheat Apple Walnut Carrot Bread is a delicious and wholesome treat, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert. This moist and hearty quick bread combines the natural sweetness of apples, the crunch of walnuts, and the earthy goodness of carrots, all wrapped up in a soft whole wheat base. It’s packed with flavor, fiber, and nutrients, making it a healthier alternative to traditional quick breads, without sacrificing any of the deliciousness.

What I love most about this bread is its versatility. It’s sweet enough to enjoy on its own, but not too sweet, making it perfect for slathering with butter or cream cheese. The apples and carrots keep the bread moist, while the walnuts add a wonderful crunch. Plus, the use of whole wheat flour adds a rich, nutty flavor and a good boost of fiber.

I started making this bread when I wanted something that combined the best elements of carrot cake and apple bread but with a healthier twist. It has quickly become a family favorite, especially in the fall when apples are in season. It’s perfect for cozy mornings with a cup of coffee or tea, and it freezes beautifully, so you can always have some on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Whole Wheat Apple Walnut Carrot Bread

1. Nutrient-Dense Ingredients: This bread is packed with whole wheat flour, fresh apples, carrots, and walnuts, making it a hearty, wholesome choice.
2. Naturally Sweetened: The sweetness in this bread comes from apples, carrots, and a touch of natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, making it a healthier option.
3. Moist and Flavorful: The combination of apples and carrots keeps this bread moist, while the cinnamon and walnuts add layers of flavor and texture.
4. Perfect for Any Time of Day: Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert, this bread is versatile and satisfying.
5. Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding dried fruit, using different nuts, or even turning it into muffins.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 50-60 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices)

Nutritional Information (per slice)

• Calories: 210 kcal
• Carbs: 28g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 12g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

To make this delicious and wholesome bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or more whole wheat flour if you prefer)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and grated (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup grated carrots
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ½ cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and chewiness.
• ¼ cup shredded coconut for extra texture.
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds for a fiber boost.
• Zest of 1 orange for a citrusy twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter, oil, or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This dry mixture will be the foundation of your bread, providing structure and flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. You can use melted coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for a slightly richer flavor and a touch of coconut essence. If you’re making a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, left to sit for 5 minutes).

Step 4: Add the Grated Apples and Carrots

To the wet mixture, fold in the grated apple and grated carrots. These will add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread, keeping it soft and tender without needing too much added fat or sugar.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense. The batter should be thick but not dry.

Step 6: Fold in the Walnuts and Optional Add-Ins

Fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. If you’re adding raisins, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or any other extras, fold them in now as well.

Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. You can sprinkle a few extra walnuts on top for added crunch and visual appeal.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top of the bread should be golden brown and set.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

How to Serve

• Warm with Butter or Cream Cheese: Enjoy a slice of this bread warm, spread with a little butter or cream cheese for an indulgent breakfast or snack.
• Drizzled with Honey or Maple Syrup: For extra sweetness, drizzle your slice with honey or maple syrup. This is especially delicious for a dessert-like treat.
• Paired with a Hot Drink: Serve this bread alongside your morning coffee, tea, or a spiced latte for a cozy, comforting breakfast.
• As a Snack or Dessert: This bread also makes a great afternoon snack or a healthier dessert option, especially when paired with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Grate the Apples and Carrots Finely: For the best texture, grate the apples and carrots finely. This helps them blend into the batter and keeps the bread moist without large chunks of fruit or vegetable.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can result in dense, tough bread. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined for a light, tender crumb.
3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apples, carrots, and walnuts will provide the best flavor and texture. If your walnuts taste stale, consider toasting them briefly in the oven before adding them to the batter.
4. Make It Vegan: This recipe is easily adaptable to a vegan diet. Simply replace the eggs with flax eggs and use maple syrup instead of honey. You can also use plant-based milk in place of regular milk if needed.
5. Customize to Your Liking: Don’t hesitate to swap out the nuts, add dried fruit, or experiment with different spices. This bread is very forgiving and customizable.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to make this Whole Wheat Apple Walnut Carrot Bread your own. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Spiced Apple Carrot Bread:

Increase the cinnamon to 1 ½ teaspoons and add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger for a spicier version of this bread. The ginger adds warmth and depth to the flavor, making it perfect for cozy fall mornings.

2. Vegan Apple Walnut Carrot Bread:

To make this recipe vegan, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water) and maple syrup instead of honey. Use coconut oil for a rich, dairy-free fat source.

3. Apple Raisin Carrot Bread:

For a sweeter, fruitier loaf, add ½ cup of raisins or dried cranberries to the batter. The raisins add natural sweetness and a chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the apples and carrots.

4. Gluten-Free Apple Walnut Carrot Bread:

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or another binder to ensure the bread holds together well.

5. Tropical Apple Carrot Bread:

For a tropical twist, fold in ¼ cup of shredded coconut and substitute the walnuts with macadamia nuts. You can also add a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice to the wet ingredients for extra flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

This bread stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the bread, where it will stay fresh for up to 7 days. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing:

You can freeze this bread for up to 3 months. Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To thaw, leave the bread at room temperature or gently warm it in the oven.

Special Equipment

• Grater: A box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment works well for grating the apples and carrots.
• Loaf Pan: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal for this recipe.
• Mixing Bowls: Use one large bowl for the dry ingredients and one medium bowl for the wet ingredients.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A spatula or wooden spoon works well for folding the wet and dry ingredients together without overmixing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! You can replace the whole wheat and all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure your gluten-free blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent for structure.

2. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can use flax eggs instead of regular eggs (2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water) and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

3. Can I add more spices?

Definitely! Feel free to add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or even cloves for a spicier loaf. A dash of cardamom or allspice would also complement the flavors nicely.

4. Can I make this bread into muffins?

Yes, you can easily turn this recipe into muffins. Divide the batter into a 12-cup muffin tin lined with paper liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?

To avoid dense bread, be careful not to overmix the batter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined, and make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh for proper leavening.

Conclusion

Whole Wheat Apple Walnut Carrot Bread is a delicious, wholesome treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or serving it as a healthy dessert, this bread combines the best of apples, carrots, and walnuts in a tender, moist loaf. It’s naturally sweetened with honey, packed with nutrients, and incredibly customizable—making it a versatile recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

I hope you enjoy baking (and eating) this bread as much as I do! Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to experiment with add-ins and spices to make this recipe your own.