
This filling Carrot Apple Bread blends cozy carrot cake flavors with hints of apple in a super moist loaf. It's great for morning meals, snacks, or treats. You can whip up this bowl-and-spoon recipe quickly, and it'll make your kitchen smell amazing as it bakes.
I created this bread when I had too many carrots and apples during harvest time. My family ate it so fast I had to bake another one right away. Now we make it whenever we want something warm and just a bit sweet.
What You'll Need
- Large egg: adds body and richness to your loaf
- Light brown sugar: brings moisture and caramel flavor when packed
- Liquid coconut oil: makes it moist without feeling heavy
- Granulated sugar: works with brown sugar for just-right sweetness
- Sour cream: creates softness with a light tangy taste
- Vanilla extract: brings out all other flavors
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: give that warm, homey taste
- All purpose flour: forms the base structure
- Baking powder and baking soda: help it puff up nicely
- Grated carrots: add wetness and natural sugar
- Grated apples: bring fruity sweetness and extra moisture
Easy Baking Steps
- Get Your Pan Ready:
- Heat your oven to 350°F and coat your 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter and flour. This helps your bread come out clean after baking.
- Blend Wet Stuff:
- In a big bowl, mix the egg, brown sugar, coconut oil, regular sugar, sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything looks smooth. These ingredients make your bread tasty.
- Add Dry Stuff:
- Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with a spatula just until mixed. Don't stir too much or your bread will end up tough instead of soft.
- Mix In Fruits:
- Put your grated carrots and apples into the bowl and stir lightly. These make your bread super soft. Make sure they're spread out evenly in the mix.
- Bake It:
- Pour your thick batter into the pan, smooth the top, and bake for 45-52 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top looks golden, the middle isn't jiggly, and a toothpick stuck in comes out mostly clean.
- Let It Rest:
- Keep the bread in the pan for about 15 minutes before moving it to a cooling rack. This waiting time lets it firm up and makes cutting much easier.

Using coconut oil with sour cream is my special trick in this recipe. I stumbled on this combo years back and it always gives me the softest quick breads. My kid calls this the breakfast cake that won't get you in trouble and that pretty much nails it.
Avoiding Dark Tops
If you see your bread getting too brown while it's still baking, just cover it loosely with aluminum foil after about 35 minutes. This keeps the top from burning while the middle finishes cooking. Every oven's different, so watching your bread is better than just following the clock.
Tasty Upgrade Ideas
Make this yummy bread even better with some simple extras. Try spreading honey butter or cinnamon sugar butter on a warm piece for a tasty breakfast. If you want it as dessert, drizzle some simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting on top to bring out those carrot cake flavors even more.

Delicious Serving Ideas
This flexible bread works for many situations. Have it with your morning coffee, tuck it in lunch boxes for a sweet break, or warm a slice and add vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert. It's also great for brunch gatherings or afternoon tea with your friends.
Keeping It Fresh
Your Carrot Apple Bread will stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To make it last longer, wrap single slices in plastic and put them in a freezer bag. When you want one, just let frozen slices warm up on the counter or zap them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for a fast treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which apples work best for this loaf?
Choose sweet, firm apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala to add perfect texture and flavor.
- → Can I swap out coconut oil?
Absolutely. Replace coconut oil with canola or vegetable oil for the same results.
- → How long will it stay good?
It stays fresh for 5 days in a sealed container or up to 4 months if frozen.
- → What’s a good sour cream alternative?
Greek yogurt is an awesome option, giving the loaf the same creamy texture and slight tang.
- → How can I keep the top from burning?
If it starts to darken too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with foil after about 35 minutes while the middle continues to bake.