There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen. This gluten-free carrot bread is perfectly moist, with hints of sweetness, and it’s ideally enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a delightful afternoon snack.
I usually whip up a loaf to share with friends and family during a sunny brunch on the patio or to savor while exploring a good book. Trust me—once you try this recipe, you’ll want to bake it often.
Today, I’m sharing with you one of my favorite comfort foods: gluten-free carrot bread. Not only is it a fantastic way to use up those carrots lurking in your fridge, but it also fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting scent that’s hard to resist.
This recipe is straightforward, has a short prep time, and delivers a delicious treat that everyone can enjoy, whether they follow a gluten-free diet or not.
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What is gf carrot bread?
Gluten-free carrot bread is a delightful quick bread made with finely shredded carrots, suitable for anyone avoiding gluten. This bread is not dense like many gluten-free recipes; instead, it’s light and fluffy thanks to a blend of dry ingredients that work exceptionally well with gluten-free multipurpose flour. This bread embodies the essence of comfort food—moist, sweet, and loaded with flavors that make every slice a little piece of heaven.
How Does It Taste Like?
Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice that’s bursting with sweetness from the carrots and just enough spice from the cinnamon and ginger. The addition of sugars creates a lovely balance of flavors. When topped with creamy maple cream cheese frosting, every bite becomes a delectable experience that dances between hearty and sweet. It’s comforting yet refreshing, making it perfect for all occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this gluten-free carrot bread not just for its amazing taste, but also for its simplicity and versatility. It’s quick to make, and it lends itself to endless customizations. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened with apple sauce, which keeps things light and adds moisture to the bread. If you’re looking for a make-ahead treat, this recipe is perfect—just bake it today, and you’ll have an excellent snack ready for tomorrow!
The Ingredients
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need for your gluten-free carrot bread, along with a couple of additions to enhance the flavor:
– 300 grams gluten-free multipurpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground ginger
– ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
– 150 grams brown sugar
– 50 grams granulated sugar
– 100 grams unsweetened applesauce
– 80 grams neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 225 grams peeled, shredded carrots (make sure to squeeze any liquid)
– Optional addition: 100 grams crushed pineapple, well-drained
– Optional addition: 60 grams chopped walnuts (or any nuts of your choice)
Small Batch Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
– 115 grams cream cheese, softened
– 30 grams unsalted butter, softened
– 50 grams powdered sugar
– 35 grams maple syrup
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– pinch of kosher salt
Ingredients From : theglutenfreeaustrian.com
How to make gf carrot bread?
Making gluten-free carrot bread is a straightforward process, perfect for both new and experienced bakers. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm loaf baking away in no time.
Step-by-step directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a Pullman loaf pan by spraying it lightly with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper. Ensure there’s enough overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots
Peel and grate the carrots using the smallest hole on your box grater. After grating, transfer your shredded carrots to a clean kitchen towel or some parchment paper. Squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. Measure out 225 grams of the finely grated, squeezed carrots and set them aside. Discard the liquid.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, sift together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and freshly cracked black pepper. This is crucial; it ensures a uniform texture in your bread. Set this mixture aside.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, unsweetened applesauce, neutral oil, and room temperature eggs until combined and somewhat fluffy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Carefully add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to mix until fully combined, ensuring there are no lumps. Fold in the squeezed grated carrots and, if desired, chopped nuts, which will add a delightful crunch to your bread.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared Pullman loaf pan, spreading it evenly. For a little extra help with rising, you can take a butter knife dipped in neutral oil and gently make a shallow cut down the center of the batter. This will guide the bread’s natural crack as it bakes.
Bake your gluten-free carrot bread in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean; if you’re using a digital thermometer, it should read at least 200°F (93°C).
Step 7: Cooling
After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it and transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before frosting.
Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
While your bread cools, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until light, fluffy, and well combined. Then, add in the powdered sugar gradually, mixing until the frosting is smooth and creamy.
Once your carrot bread is completely cooled, place it on a serving platter and spread the maple cream cheese frosting on top using a spatula or the back of a spoon, just on the surface.
Finally, grab a serrated knife and slice the carrot bread into thick slices to serve.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Tips On Making gf carrot bread
– Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure that your spices are fresh for the best flavor. Old spices can lead to a dull taste.
– Grate Finely: Grate your carrots finely for a smoother bread texture.
– Let the Eggs Reach Room Temperature: This helps them mix more thoroughly into the batter.
– Don’t Skip Squeezing Carrots: Removing excess liquid from the carrots is key to avoiding a soggy bread.
– Add Extras: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like dried fruit or additional spices to personalize your bread.
Storage Tips
For optimal freshness, store your gluten-free carrot bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The cream cheese frosting means it’s best to keep it cold. If you need to store it longer, consider freezing the unfrosted bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw, then frost.
Serving Suggestions
– Enjoy with Coffee: Pair a slice with your morning brew for a delightful breakfast.
– Perfect for Brunch: Serve alongside other brunch treats like quiches or fresh fruit.
– Snack Time Treat: Great as a midday snack for both kids and adults.
– Top with Cream Cheese: Add extra cream cheese frosting for an indulgent dessert.
– Serve Warm: Heat slices slightly in the microwave for extra warmth and flavor.
What other substitute can I use in gf carrot bread?
– Flour: Almond flour can be a great option if you want a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture.
– Sugar: Coconut sugar can replace brown and granulated sugars for a different sweetness profile.
– Applesauce: Mashed banana can be used instead of applesauce for a unique twist and additional flavor.
– Oil: Coconut oil can be substituted for neutral oil if you prefer a subtle coconut flavor.
– Eggs: Flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) can act as a vegan replacement.
Gf Carrot Bread
Equipment
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Pullman loaf pan
- grater
- Measuring cups
- Spoons
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need for your gluten-free carrot bread along with a couple of additions to enhance the flavor:
- – 300 grams gluten-free multipurpose flour
- – 1 teaspoon baking powder
- – ½ teaspoon baking soda
- – ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- – 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- – ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- – ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- – ⅛ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- – 150 grams brown sugar
- – 50 grams granulated sugar
- – 100 grams unsweetened applesauce
- – 80 grams neutral oil like canola or vegetable
- – 2 large eggs at room temperature
- – 225 grams peeled shredded carrots (make sure to squeeze any liquid)
– Optional addition: 100 grams crushed pineapple, well-drained
– Optional addition: 60 grams chopped walnuts (or any nuts of your choice)
Small Batch Maple Cream Cheese Frosting
- – 115 grams cream cheese softened
- – 30 grams unsalted butter softened
- – 50 grams powdered sugar
- – 35 grams maple syrup
- – ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- – pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a Pullman loaf pan by spraying it lightly with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper. Ensure there’s enough overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Carrots
- Peel and grate the carrots using the smallest hole on your box grater. After grating, transfer your shredded carrots to a clean kitchen towel or some parchment paper. Squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. Measure out 225 grams of the finely grated, squeezed carrots and set them aside. Discard the liquid.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and freshly cracked black pepper. This is crucial; it ensures a uniform texture in your bread. Set this mixture aside.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, unsweetened applesauce, neutral oil, and room temperature eggs until combined and somewhat fluffy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Carefully add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to mix until fully combined, ensuring there are no lumps. Fold in the squeezed grated carrots and, if desired, chopped nuts, which will add a delightful crunch to your bread.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared Pullman loaf pan, spreading it evenly. For a little extra help with rising, you can take a butter knife dipped in neutral oil and gently make a shallow cut down the center of the batter. This will guide the bread’s natural crack as it bakes.
- Bake your gluten-free carrot bread in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until it turns a beautiful golden brown. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean; if you’re using a digital thermometer, it should read at least 200°F (93°C).
Step 7: Cooling
- After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it and transferring it to a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before frosting.
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake it a day or two in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator.
2. Is this bread vegan-friendly?
Not as it stands, but you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs to make it vegan.
3. Can I add nuts or raisins?
Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even raisins, work beautifully and can be folded into the batter.
4. Why is my bread dense?
If the batter is under-mixed or there wasn’t enough moisture, this can happen. Always ensure to mix well and check the moisture levels.
5. How can I tell when the bread is done?
A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean, or the internal temperature should read over 200°F.
Conclusion
Gluten-free carrot bread is a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. With a delightful blend of spices and natural sweetness from carrots, plus a lovely maple cream cheese frosting, it’ll quickly become a favorite.
Easy to make and perfect for sharing, this recipe welcomes creativity. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite add-ins! Enjoy every crumb, and happy baking!