Lemon-Carrot Tea Bread
Lemon-Carrot Tea Bread offers a moist, flavorful treat combining the bright citrus aroma with sweet carrots and crunchy nuts. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or tea time, its gentle sweetness and zesty lemon notes appeal to all ages and make for a delightful homemade gift.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place loaf baking cups in the pan.
- Cream butter and sugar in a large mixer bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs; mix well.
- Combine flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder; toss with a fork to mix.
- Combine milk and lemon juice.
- Alternately add the milk mixture and dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the milk mixture.
- Mix only until ingredients are moistened.
- Stir in lemon rind, chopped nuts, and grated carrots.
- Fill each loaf cup about half full with batter.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Cool for 5 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely.
- Wrap and freeze if desired for up to 2 months.
- Serve cooled.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using unsweetened applesauce instead of some of the butter, which can add moisture without the extra fat. If you prefer a nut-free loaf, simply omit the chopped nuts or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds. Experiment with adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra flavor boost, pairing well with this lemon-carrot tea bread.
Serving Suggestions
This lemon-carrot tea bread is delightful served plain, but you can elevate it by spreading a thin layer of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey on top. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon snack. For a complete brunch, serve alongside Grits Au Gratin and a fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for up to 5 days at room temperature. If you want to extend its shelf life, freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lemon-Carrot Tea Bread contains roughly 167 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 815mg per serving (35% 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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the texture may be denser. To maintain a lighter bread, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This will enhance the nutritional value while keeping a pleasant texture.
How can I make this bread gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help mimic the structure and texture of traditional bread. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly, so start with a little less milk and add more as needed.
What can I add to enhance the flavor of the bread?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or fold in dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for added sweetness. A splash of vanilla extract can also elevate the flavor profile. These additions can create a delightful twist on the classic lemon-carrot tea bread.
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).