Carrot-Orange Nut Bread
A moist and flavorful carrot-orange nut bread that combines the sweetness of brown sugar and the warmth of spices with the crunch of walnuts. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or teatime, its vibrant orange peel and grated carrots add color and freshness to every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Set the dry ingredients aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter.
- Gradually beat in brown sugar until fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time.
- Combine grated orange peel and carrots.
- Alternately stir in the flour mixture and carrot mixture until well blended.
- Stir in chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 325°F for 50 to 60 minutes or until a pick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5 minutes.
- Turn out to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister bread, consider adding a 1/4 cup of yogurt or applesauce. If you're out of walnuts, pecans or almonds work well as substitutes. You can also use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. Ensure you grate the carrots finely for better integration into the batter. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly helps prevent clumping and ensures even rising.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese or butter spread. Serve it as a breakfast option alongside your favorite coffee or tea. For a more filling meal, consider serving it with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt. It also makes a lovely addition to brunch alongside Fern'S Dinner Rolls.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Carrot-Orange Nut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm individual pieces in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carrot-Orange Nut Bread contains roughly 313 calories, with 4g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), calcium (27% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1309mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut in this recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts add a nice crunch, you can easily substitute them with pecans or almonds for a different flavor. Just chop them up as you would the walnuts, and fold them into the batter as per the recipe.
What can I do if I don't have allspice?
If you don't have allspice on hand, you can make a quick substitute using a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Combine equal parts of these spices to achieve a similar flavor profile. This will still complement the carrot and orange beautifully.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this bread gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps with texture. Additionally, check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free, ensuring a safe and delicious loaf.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).