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Vegan Carrot Bread Made with Oats (Healthy, Moist, and Flavorful)

If you’re looking for a delicious, moist, and wholesome bread that’s packed with the goodness of oats and carrots, this vegan carrot bread is the perfect treat. Whether you want a hearty breakfast, a healthy snack, or a light dessert, this bread is full of nutrients, fiber, and natural sweetness, making it a fantastic choice for anyone following a vegan lifestyle. The oats provide a naturally dense, chewy texture, while the carrots bring a burst of color and vitamins to this naturally sweetened bread.

What makes this carrot bread even more special is that it’s vegan-friendly, meaning it contains no animal products, making it suitable for plant-based diets, those with lactose intolerance, or anyone looking to cut back on dairy and eggs. Additionally, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more whole grains and vegetables into your diet in an enjoyable and easy-to-make form.

Why You’ll Love Vegan Carrot Bread Made with Oats:

  1. Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is free from dairy, eggs, and other animal products, making it perfect for anyone following a plant-based diet.
  2. Nutrient-Packed: Carrots are full of vitamins and antioxidants, while oats provide fiber and heart-healthy nutrients. Together, they create a deliciously wholesome treat.
  3. Naturally Sweetened: Instead of refined sugars, this recipe uses natural sweeteners like maple syrup and applesauce to give the bread its sweetness without the extra calories.
  4. Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the combination of oats, carrots, and the perfect amount of liquid ingredients, this carrot bread is incredibly moist and full of rich flavor.
  5. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients:

Before you begin, gather these wholesome and vegan-friendly ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats – The star of the bread, providing a chewy and hearty texture, as well as fiber and essential nutrients.
  • 1 cup grated carrots – Fresh carrots add moisture, a natural sweetness, and an additional boost of vitamins and minerals.
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce – A natural sweetener and moisture source that helps keep the bread soft and tender.
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup – A vegan-friendly sweetener that adds richness and depth of flavor.
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil (or coconut oil) – This provides the necessary fat to keep the bread moist. Use coconut oil for a subtle tropical flavor, or vegetable oil for a neutral option.
  • 1/2 cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy milk) – This helps achieve the right batter consistency while keeping the bread dairy-free.
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour – The base flour for the bread, adding fiber and giving the bread a dense, satisfying texture. You can substitute with all-purpose flour if you prefer.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise and become light and airy.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a warm, comforting flavor that complements the sweetness of the carrots.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Provides an additional layer of flavor with a subtle, aromatic spice.
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – For a touch of sweetness and depth in the flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – Adds a crunchy texture and healthy fats. This step is optional, but highly recommended for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • 1/4 cup raisins or currants (optional) – A little natural sweetness to complement the carrots.

Equipment:

  • 1 loaf pan (8×4 inches) – To bake the bread to perfection.
  • Mixing bowls – To combine dry and wet ingredients.
  • Grater or food processor – To grate the carrots finely for the bread.
  • Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Whisk or spatula – To combine the ingredients evenly.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan (8×4 inches) with a little bit of oil or line it with parchment paper. This will ensure your bread comes out of the pan easily after baking.

2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated carrots, unsweetened applesauce, maple syrup, vegetable oil, and plant-based milk. Use a whisk to mix them thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The applesauce will provide moisture and a subtle sweetness, while the maple syrup adds a deeper, rich flavor.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. The oats will give the bread its hearty texture, while the flour ensures that it holds together well.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently as you go. Be careful not to overmix, as that could result in a dense bread. Mix until the ingredients are just combined, and the batter is thick but pourable. If you’d like, you can fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins at this stage for added texture and flavor.

5. Transfer to the Loaf Pan:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the batter and make it even. This will help the bread bake uniformly and look beautifully even when it’s done.

6. Bake the Bread:

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the bread and check for doneness as it approaches the 50-minute mark.

7. Cool and Slice:

Once the bread is fully baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This step is important because it helps the bread set, preventing it from falling apart when sliced.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

Once the bread has cooled, slice it into thick pieces and serve. You can enjoy it as-is, or spread a little vegan butter or nut butter for added richness. This bread is perfect as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or even a light dessert.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice):

Here is the nutritional breakdown for one slice of this Vegan Carrot Bread made with Oats:

  • Calories: 180 kcal
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Net Carbs: 29 g
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg

Tips for the Perfect Vegan Carrot Bread:

  1. Use Fresh, Grated Carrots: For the best texture and flavor, use freshly grated carrots rather than pre-grated or packaged. The moisture from fresh carrots will help keep the bread soft.
  2. Sweeten to Taste: The amount of maple syrup in the recipe can be adjusted based on your personal preference. If you prefer a sweeter bread, add a little more syrup.
  3. Storage: Store leftover carrot bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness, up to a week.
  4. Freezing: This bread freezes beautifully! Slice it and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or foil, then store them in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw or toast a slice.
  5. Flour Substitution: If you don’t have whole wheat flour on hand, you can use all-purpose flour. For a gluten-free version, try using gluten-free all-purpose flour.

Why This Recipe Is Healthier Than Traditional Carrot Cake:

Unlike traditional carrot cake, which is often laden with sugar, butter, and eggs, this vegan carrot bread is made with wholesome ingredients like oats, whole wheat flour, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup and applesauce. It’s a lighter, more nutritious alternative that still delivers the sweetness and moist texture you crave.

How to Customize Your Vegan Carrot Bread:

  1. Add More Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like ground cloves, allspice, or ginger to suit your taste.
  2. Include Other Fruits and Nuts: You can add dried cranberries, chopped dates, or even coconut flakes for extra flavor. If you want more crunch, try using sunflower seeds or chia seeds.
  3. Make it a Carrot-Zucchini Bread: For a twist, you can substitute half of the grated carrots with grated zucchini. Just be sure to squeeze out the excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it to the batter.

Conclusion:

This Vegan Carrot Bread Made with Oats is the perfect combination of healthy ingredients and comforting flavors. It’s easy to make, delicious, and a great way to enjoy a wholesome treat that’s free from animal products. Whether you’re following a vegan diet, looking for a nutritious snack, or just in the mood for a cozy, moist loaf of bread, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Full of fiber, healthy fats, and natural sweetness, it’s a treat you can feel good about eating. Try it today, and savor the goodness of this carrot oat bread!