If you have been looking for a delightful twist on classic quick breads, look no further than this Carrot Bread with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. It combines the natural sweetness and moist texture of shredded carrots with warming spices and crunchy nuts, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze that adds a perfect balance of creamy sweetness. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a cozy dessert, offering a comforting and satisfying treat that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple to find and each plays an essential role in bringing this carrot bread to life. From the fragrant spices that give it warmth, to the shredded carrots that provide moisture and color, every component contributes to the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for the bread’s tender crumb.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Work together as leavening agents to give you a light and fluffy texture.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger: Warm spices that infuse the bread with cozy aromatic flavor.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the bread, balancing sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without overpowering other tastes.
- Vanilla extract: A flavorful addition that deepens the sweetness and aroma.
- Finely shredded carrots: The star ingredient, adding natural moisture, sweetness, and texture.
- Chopped nuts: Provide a pleasant crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
- Powdered sugar: The central component of the vanilla glaze, offering smooth sweetness.
- Half and half: Adds creaminess to the glaze, making it perfectly luscious.
- Light corn syrup: Gives the glaze a nice shine and smooth consistency.
- Clear vanilla flavoring: Intensifies the vanilla notes in the glaze without coloring it.
How to Make Carrot Bread with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and giving your loaf pan a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This small step ensures your carrot bread will release easily, keeping your loaf intact and looking lovely once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and ground ginger. This blend of spices with the leavening agents is what will give your bread its warm aroma and perfect rise, so be sure to mix everything well before moving on.
Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients
Using a stand mixer or a handheld mixer, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract on medium speed just until everything comes together. You want a smooth, homogeneous mixture that promises richness and moisture in every bite.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Lower your mixer’s speed to low and gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can make your bread too dense. The batter should be thick but not overly stiff.
Step 5: Fold in Carrots and Nuts
Carefully fold in the finely shredded carrots and chopped nuts. This step is crucial—it evenly distributes the tender carrot strands and crunchy nuts throughout the bread, making every slice a delightfully textured experience.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the middle; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready. Let your carrot bread completely cool in the pan before glazing to prevent melting the glaze.
Step 7: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, half and half, light corn syrup, and clear vanilla flavoring until smooth and free of lumps. This glaze will add a beautifully glossy, sweet finish that complements the spicy, moist bread perfectly.
Step 8: Glaze and Slice
Once the bread is fully cooled, carefully remove it from the pan and spread the vanilla glaze evenly over the top. Slice your carrot bread into ¼ inch pieces for ideal serving size and enjoy the beautiful contrast of textures and flavors.
How to Serve Carrot Bread with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your carrot bread pop on the table, consider dusting a little cinnamon on top of the vanilla glaze or sprinkling some extra chopped nuts for an inviting crunch. A few fresh carrot ribbons or a sprig of mint can add a visual appeal that makes your presentation shine.
Side Dishes
This carrot bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese for extra richness. For a breakfast treat, have it alongside a cup of coffee or chai tea, which complements the spices beautifully. It even works as a lovely mid-afternoon snack served with a glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or brunch spreads, arrange slices of carrot bread with individual servings drizzled with additional glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. You could even cut the bread into smaller bite-sized pieces for easy sharing, making it both elegant and inviting for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your carrot bread will stay fresh for a few days when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping it sealed helps preserve the moisture and prevents it from drying out, so you can enjoy it just as freshly baked the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep your carrot bread longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap it tightly in plastic and then foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge for a soft, moist slice every time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth and aroma, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. For a slight crispier touch, a quick toast or oven reheating also works beautifully, especially if you want to soften the glaze slightly.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will add a nuttier flavor and denser texture, so you might want to use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to keep the bread light and tender while adding some extra fiber and nutrients.
Is it okay to substitute nuts or leave them out?
Yes, feel free to customize with your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans, or omit them entirely if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free bread. The texture will be softer, but the flavor remains delicious.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
To make this carrot bread gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This swap usually works well, but be sure to check the blend’s instructions for optimal results.
How long does the glaze keep its texture after applying?
The vanilla glaze stays beautifully glossy and slightly soft for up to 24 hours. After that, it may begin to harden, so if you want a fresh look, it’s best to glaze the bread shortly before serving.
Can I add raisins or coconut flakes?
Definitely! Adding raisins or shredded coconut provides extra sweetness and texture that pairs wonderfully with the carrots and spices. Just fold them in with the carrots and nuts before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Bread with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines wholesome ingredients with indulgent flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a quick breakfast or a sweet treat, it’s sure to become one of your beloved go-to recipes. I really hope you give this one a try and enjoy every delicious slice as much as I do!
Print
Carrot Bread with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This moist and flavorful carrot bread combines warm spices, tender shredded carrots, and crunchy nuts for a delightful homemade treat. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, this carrot bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups finely shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Glaze
- 2¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons half and half
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon clear vanilla flavoring
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray. Set aside to be ready when the batter is mixed.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer at medium speed, blend together vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Reduce mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour and spice mixture. Mix just until the batter is combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Carrots and Nuts: Gently fold in the finely shredded carrots and chopped nuts using a spatula until evenly incorporated throughout the batter.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the bread to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar, half and half, light corn syrup, and clear vanilla flavoring. Stir until the glaze is smooth with no lumps.
- Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has fully cooled, remove it from the loaf pan. Evenly spread the prepared glaze over the top of the carrot bread.
- Serve: Slice the carrot bread into ¼ inch slices and enjoy as a delicious breakfast or snack.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb in the bread.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and sliding off.
- You can substitute the nuts with walnuts or pecans based on preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half and half with a non-dairy milk alternative in the glaze.
- Store carrot bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
