Wholesome & Delicious: The Ultimate Carrot Pecan Bread Recipe
After a week filled with indulging in rich and decadent treats, the craving for something both satisfying and wholesome often sets in. That’s precisely why we decided to shift gears and bake a truly comforting and nutritious delight: our very own Carrot Pecan Bread. This recipe, a timeless classic, finds its roots in an cherished Southern Living recipe from 1984, bringing with it a touch of nostalgic charm and irresistible flavor.
What makes this Carrot Pecan Bread stand out? It’s a harmonious blend of simple, quality ingredients, featuring a reasonable amount of oil alongside wholesome components like vibrant shredded carrots, nutty pecans, and hearty whole wheat flour. The result is a quick bread that’s moist, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying without being overly heavy. We’ve savored this bread on numerous occasions, and each time it earns rave reviews. It’s definitely one of those recipes you’ll want to revisit. We’re particularly keen to experiment with grapeseed oil for an even lighter texture and perhaps white whole wheat flour to achieve a slightly milder whole grain flavor while maintaining its nutritional benefits.
Why This Carrot Pecan Bread is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another quick bread; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Here’s why this Carrot Pecan Bread will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Wholesome Goodness: Packed with fresh carrots, which are a great source of vitamins and fiber, and heart-healthy pecans, this bread offers a nutritious boost.
- Perfect Texture: It strikes an ideal balance – moist, tender, and just dense enough to feel substantial without being heavy. The whole wheat flour adds a delightful chewiness.
- Irresistible Flavor Profile: The natural sweetness of carrots and brown sugar is beautifully complemented by the warm spice of cinnamon and a bright, zesty hint of orange. The toasted pecans add a crucial layer of flavor and crunch.
- Easy to Make: Quick breads are renowned for their simplicity, and this recipe is no exception. With minimal fuss and straightforward instructions, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it for breakfast, as a satisfying snack with your coffee or tea, or even as a light dessert. It’s perfect for brunch gatherings or a cozy afternoon.
The Southern Living Legacy: A Timeless Recipe
Tracing its origins back to a 1984 Southern Living recipe, this Carrot Pecan Bread carries with it a legacy of classic American baking. Southern Living magazine has long been a trusted source for comforting, delicious, and reliable recipes, and this quick bread is a testament to their enduring appeal. Recipes from this era often emphasize real, unpretentious ingredients and straightforward methods, resulting in food that feels like a warm hug. It’s a taste of tradition, updated slightly for modern palates, yet retaining all the charm of its original form.
Key Ingredients Spotlight: What Makes It So Good?
Understanding the role of each ingredient helps in appreciating the magic of this bread:
- Shredded Carrots: Beyond their beautiful color and natural sweetness, carrots provide essential moisture and tenderness to the bread. Make sure to shred them finely for even distribution.
- Pecans (or Walnuts): These nuts add a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with carrots and orange. Toasting them lightly before adding them intensifies their flavor. If pecans aren’t available, walnuts are an excellent substitute.
- Whole Wheat Flour & All-Purpose Flour: The combination offers the best of both worlds. Whole wheat flour contributes a wholesome, nutty flavor and increased fiber, while all-purpose flour ensures a tender crumb. For a slightly lighter color and texture while retaining whole grain benefits, consider using white whole wheat flour.
- Vegetable Oil: Oil is key for creating a consistently moist quick bread, providing richness without the heaviness of butter. The original recipe calls for vegetable oil, but grapeseed oil, with its neutral flavor and higher smoke point, is another fantastic option we’re keen to explore.
- Brown Sugar: This provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness and additional moisture, contributing to the bread’s tender texture.
- Orange Zest: Don’t skip this! The zest of an orange adds a bright, aromatic lift that truly elevates the overall flavor, making the bread feel fresh and vibrant.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in harmony to give the bread its rise and fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon & Salt: Cinnamon brings a comforting warmth, while salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Eggs & Vanilla Extract: Eggs bind the ingredients and add richness, while vanilla extract complements the other flavors with its sweet, aromatic notes.
Recipe: Classic Carrot Pecan Bread
Carrot-Pecan Bread
Cookie Madness
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups shredded carrots
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 ⅓ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped toasted pecans (or walnuts)
Instructions
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Prepare your pan and oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Thoroughly spray a 9×5 inch metal loaf pan with baking spray that contains flour (like Baker’s Joy), or generously grease and flour the pan yourself to prevent sticking. This crucial first step ensures your bread releases cleanly.
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Combine wet ingredients: In a medium-sized heatproof bowl, combine the shredded carrots, boiling water, firmly packed brown sugar, vegetable oil, and orange zest. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Let this mixture cool for about 10 minutes; this allows the carrots to soften slightly and the flavors to meld, ensuring the mixture isn’t too hot for the eggs in the next step.
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Mix dry ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Creating a well (a small hollow) in the center of this dry mixture will make it easier to incorporate the wet ingredients evenly.
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Combine and mix: Once the carrot mixture has cooled slightly, stir in the lightly beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Then, pour this carrot-egg mixture into the well of the dry ingredients. Add the chopped toasted pecans. Using a spoon or spatula, stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough, dry bread. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
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Bake and cool: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Bake on the center rack of your preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes. This allows it to set. Then, carefully invert the pan to remove the loaf and let it cool completely on the wire rack before slicing and serving. Cooling completely ensures a cleaner slice and prevents the bread from becoming gummy.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Carrot Pecan Bread
Achieving a consistently perfect loaf of Carrot Pecan Bread is easier than you think with these simple tips:
- Do Not Overmix: This is arguably the most crucial rule for any quick bread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough, dense, and chewy bread instead of a tender, moist one. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined – a few lumps are perfectly acceptable!
- Shredding Carrots: For the best texture and even distribution, use finely shredded carrots. A food processor with a shredding attachment makes this quick and easy.
- Toasted Pecans: Toasting your pecans (or walnuts) before adding them to the batter enhances their nutty flavor significantly. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a more consistent texture. If you forget to take them out in advance, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of moist quick bread. Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended bake time. A wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool Completely: While it’s tempting to slice into a warm loaf, allowing the bread to cool completely on a wire rack is essential. This allows the internal structure to set and prevents the bread from becoming gummy.
Variations & Customizations
This Carrot Pecan Bread recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:
- Nut Alternatives: While pecans are classic, walnuts offer a delightful bitterness that complements the sweetness of the bread. Almonds or even a mix of nuts could also work.
- Spice It Up: Enhance the warm spice profile by adding a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to the dry ingredients. A touch of cardamom can also introduce an exotic aroma.
- Add Dried Fruit: For extra sweetness and chewiness, fold in ½ cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dried apricots along with the pecans.
- Citrus Twist: If you love citrus, consider adding a tablespoon of lemon zest in addition to the orange zest, or even a splash of orange juice to the wet ingredients for an intensified flavor.
- Glaze It: For an extra touch of sweetness and moisture, drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled bread. Combine powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of fresh orange juice until you reach a pourable consistency.
- Flour Alternatives: As mentioned, white whole wheat flour is a great option for a lighter whole grain bread. You could also try a portion of oat flour for a different texture and nutritional boost.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
This versatile bread is perfect for a variety of occasions:
- Breakfast: A slice of Carrot Pecan Bread is a delightful start to the day, especially when served with a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of yogurt.
- Brunch: It makes a wonderful addition to any brunch spread, offering a wholesome alternative to pastries and muffins.
- Snack Time: Pair it with your afternoon coffee or tea for a comforting and satisfying pick-me-up.
- Dessert: Serve a slice lightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of honey for a simple yet elegant dessert.
Storage: To keep your Carrot Pecan Bread fresh and moist, store it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the whole loaf or individual slices for up to 3 months. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap, then in foil, before freezing. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Bake a Loaf, Share the Love
This Carrot Pecan Bread recipe is more than just a delightful treat; it’s an invitation to create comforting memories in your kitchen. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion, a family brunch, or simply to enjoy a wholesome snack, its simple preparation and incredible flavor are sure to make it a household favorite. So, grab your grater and your pecans, and get ready to fill your home with the inviting aroma of this classic, wholesome quick bread. Happy baking!