Sweet Loaf Bread
A moist, flavorful sweet loaf bread packed with carrots, raisins, and pecans, perfect for breakfast or snack, combining warm spices and natural sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, and canola oil; beat for 1 minute.
- Add eggs to the mixture, beating well.
- In a separate bowl, mix whole-wheat flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir to moisten.
- Fold in grated carrots, raisins, and chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole-wheat flour. If you don't have raisins, you can substitute with chopped dates or dried cranberries. To enhance the flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract. Always ensure to grease the loaf pan well to prevent sticking, especially for sweet breads like this one.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Loaf Bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a dollop of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey. Pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a delightful treat, try it alongside a slice of Mom Mom'S Blueberry Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Sweet Loaf Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Loaf Bread contains roughly 471 calories, with 8g protein, 94g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (173% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (53% of the Daily Value), and potassium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1690mg per serving (73% 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 make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can replace the eggs with flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce as a binder. Use a plant-based oil and check that your sugars are vegan-friendly. The result will be a delicious vegan version of this Sweet Loaf Bread without compromising on flavor.
How can I make this bread more nutritious?
You can add ingredients like chia seeds or flaxseeds for added fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Incorporating more grated carrots or even adding zucchini can increase moisture and nutrition. Additionally, using whole-grain flour contributes to a higher fiber content, making it a healthier choice overall.
What should I do if my bread is too dense?
If your Sweet Loaf Bread turns out dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Ensure you measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping. Also, check that your baking soda is fresh to ensure proper leavening.
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).