Carrot Raisin Bread π₯π
Overview:
A delightful twist on traditional sweet bread, Carrot Raisin Bread is a perfect addition to your holiday table. Bursting with flavors of carrots, cinnamon, and raisins, this recipe yields two moist and flavorful loaves, making it ideal for sharing or freezing for later enjoyment. The preparation is simple, with a total time of just 55 minutes, including 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking. Let’s dive into the details of this scrumptious recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated carrots π₯
- Zest of 1 orange π
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup raisins
Instructions:
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Prepare Carrots: Begin by cooking the grated carrots in a small amount of water until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the carrots, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.
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Blend Carrot Mixture: In a food processor or blender, combine the cooked carrots, reserved liquid, orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cover and process until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
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Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the brown sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. This step ensures a tender and moist texture for your bread.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: To the creamed butter and sugar mixture, add the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat well until everything is thoroughly combined.
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Combine Carrot Mixture: Gradually add the smooth carrot mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixing bowl. Stir until fully incorporated.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the prepared dry ingredients to the mixing bowl containing the wet ingredients and carrot mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
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Fold in Raisins: Gently fold in the raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding a burst of sweetness and texture.
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Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and grease two standard loaf pans (8x4x2 inches) to prevent sticking.
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Fill Loaf Pans: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans, spreading it out to ensure even baking.
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Bake: Place the filled loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before carefully removing them and transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve your delicious Carrot Raisin Bread!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 780.15
- Fat: 26.5g
- Saturated Fat: 15.55g
- Cholesterol: 166.75mg
- Sodium: 878mg
- Carbohydrates: 126.6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 65.9g
- Protein: 11.6g
Serving Suggestions:
Carrot Raisin Bread pairs perfectly with a spread of cream cheese or butter, enhancing its flavors and adding a creamy texture. Enjoy a slice alongside your morning coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day, or serve it as a dessert option during holiday gatherings for a sweet and satisfying treat that’s sure to impress!
Recipe Notes:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your personal taste preferences.
- For a healthier option, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
- This recipe can easily be halved to make just one loaf if desired, making it adaptable to your specific needs and preferences.
Enjoy baking and savoring the delightful flavors of Carrot Raisin Bread! π₯π
