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Home » Recipes » Dish Type » Baked Goods » Breads

Healthy Carrot Bread

Published: Jan 9, 2018 by Terri Gilson · Modified: Apr 8, 2022 · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links · 32 Comments

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Pin with text at the bottom and top and a photo of healthy carrot loaf slice with butter on a white plate with white dish of butter in the background. There is also a narrow wooden bread board in the background with the remainder of the carrot loaf on it (partially sliced)

There are so many breakfasts out there that are loaded with excessive sugar and fat that you may as well be eating cake. But not this one! This Healthy Carrot Loaf is healthier than many of the other carrot loaf recipes because it isn't loaded with sugar and fat inside. And it doesn't have a glaze, cream cheese frosting or any kind of icing on top. It's makes a great snack, breakfast or dessert!

healthy carrot loaf slice with butter on a white plate with white dish of butter in the background. There is also a blue loaf pan in the background with the remainder of carrot loaf in it, as well as a silver knife beside the loaf pan.

I grew up eating really healthy food. We ate whole grains and I wasn't allowed to eat tasty things like white bread, Cheez whiz or sugary cereals because they were 'junk food'. Dessert was a very rare treat. My Mom regularly shopped at health food stores, which in the 1970's, was a pretty hippyish thing to do. Hence the reason she was deemed a 'health nut' by the other neighborhood mothers. So when, in Grade 3 health class, when we were asked to record what we had for breakfast one random day, you can only imagine my mother's mortification when I came home with my food chart and under the breakfast category it read, "CAKE".

Jump to:
  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🍰 Cake for Breakfast is a thing
  • 🔪Instructions
  • 💭 Top Tips
  • 📖 Variations & Substitutions
  • 🌡️Storage
  • 👪 Serving Size
  • ⭐ Reviews
  • 🥕Healthy Carrot Bread Recipe
  • 🍞More Quick Bread Recipes!

It's not like cake was something we commonly ate, much less for breakfast. But for some reason, that was the day she happened to give in to our begging and pleading for one of Baba's baked treats she had sent home with us on the weekend.  

Mom claims that it was more like a rhubarb loaf, not a cake, and at the time thought, 'How bad can it be? Rhubarb is a vegetable after all." But I guess it seemed like cake to me! I relate to how my Mom felt when I had a similar thing happen to me with my daughter over Christmas...

🥘 Ingredients

The extra sugar and calories are just not necessary. So, if you want a healthy carrot bread that tastes like you are eating cake for breakfast, but without the fat and sugar, then give this one a try!

For this carrot bread recipe, you'll need:

  • flour - whole wheat and all-purpose
  • cinnamon
  • nutmeg
  • baking powder
  • baking soda
  • egg
  • vegetable oil
  • non-fat plain Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt
  • brown sugar
  • vanilla
  • carrots

You don't need unsweetened applesauce for this delicious bread, as it can make baked goods too chewy.

*see recipe card for quantities

Healthy carrot loaf on a narrow wooden cutting board (partially sliced)

🍰 Cake for Breakfast is a thing

I was recently perusing the 2018 food trends and came across the cake for breakfast trend. Apparently this is now a thing. The article went on to say that basically sometimes you just gotta treat yourself. And although I am really all about treating myself and eating cake, I just can't bring myself to do cake for breakfast! All that sugar just sends me right up, then crashing right down again.... hard. And it just seems all wrong - like having a beer for breakfast.  I'd rather leave the cake (and beer) for PM indulgences.

🔪Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9X5 loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Combine flours, spices, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl beat egg till fluffy.
  • Beat in oil, then add in yogurt, sugar, and vanilla. Stir in carrots.

dry ingredients in bowl
egg beaten in a bowl
wet ingredients mixed with carrots in a bowl
  • Add flour mixture to wet mixture and stir until combined.
  • *if you are adding pineapple, add it here
  • Pour into prepared loaf pan.
dry and wet mixture combined in bowl
pineapple added to mixture
batter in a loaf pan
  • Bake at 350F for approximately 50 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted comes out clean.
  • Let cool in pan 5 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely.
carrot loaf baked in a pan

On the other hand, my kids are always trying to get cake for breakfast. Sometimes I admire the tenacity, but mostly it's annoying. My pat answer is "Are you new here? When have we ever had cake for breakfast? " But I guess I can't blame them for trying; it did work for me that one time.

healthy carrot loaf slice with butter on a white plate with white dish of butter in the background

💭 Top Tips

  • You can use a box grater, but I prefer to grate carrots with food processor then freeze them in 1 or 2 cup bags (I do both so I have a variety for other dishes like my Honey Sriracha Chicken Lettuce Wraps)
  • Don't slice the loaf until you are ready the eat the pieces. Cut the loaf as you need it, as slicing it dries it out more quickly.

📖 Variations & Substitutions

Oil: you can use olive oil or canola oil instead of vegetable oil

**Optional: You can add a ½ cup finely chopped pineapple (fresh or canned). Just make sure you squeeze out the liquid. It's a really nice addition and makes for a moist bread. But you'll potentially need to cook the loaf 8-10 minutes longer (I did) or until a cake tester comes out clean. It makes for a very moist carrot bread.

My kids love this healthy carrot bread too! And getting kids to like eating healthy food is not always an easy feat, especially when they'd rather be eating cake. Kids are relentless and will try to get anything and everything they can out of you- especially junk food. And they are very good at it. They are also very skilled at flying under the radar when they want and need to. My daughter is an excellent example of that.

healthy carrot loaf slice with butter on a white plate with white dish of butter in the background. There is also a narrow wooden bread board in the background with the remainder of the carrot loaf on it (partially sliced)

🌡️Storage

  • Fridge: The loaf can be stored in a sealed airtight container or freezer Ziplock bag for up to 3 days in the fridge. 
  • Freezer: This carrot loaf recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. You can leave it in the loaf pan to freeze, if you prefer (I do this sometimes). Simply cover the loaf with Glad Press n' Seal (affiliate link) or plastic wrap and slide the entire loaf into an extra large Ziplock freezer bag. Or you can use a loaf pan that comes with a lid. I would still put that into a Ziplock bag, just to ensure it stays as fresh as possible.

👪 Serving Size

This quick bread recipe serves 12. However, you can double or triple this recipe by adjusting the serving size on the recipe card. Just click on the serving size (it's highlighted in blue) and select the number of servings you’d like. You'll need extra loaf pans. *You can freeze the extra loaves (see storage, above). 

Is popcorn for breakfast a future trend?

While we were visiting some relatives over Christmas, for some odd reason, someone asked my daughter what she had for breakfast that day and she replied, "popcorn and a slushy." I can assure you that was not one of my proudest parenting moments. Although I wasn't even in charge of eating that morning (my Mom was), I couldn't very well throw Grandma under the bus. Plus, I know that my daughter had slept really late, they were in a rush to get to the noon movie, my daughter will do just about anything to avoid a healthy breakfast. It was easy to fly under the radar when Grandma had 4 kids to wrangle on her own. So, I ending up wearing that one. But in retrospect, I should just be happy that my Mom didn't give her cake for breakfast, given her penchant for such things ha ha. I was wishing I had this Healthy Carrot Bread handy that morning!

So, if you want to feel like you're eating cake for breakfast, without actually eating cake for breakfast, save the cake for a PM indulgence/afternoon snack and indulge in some of this Healthy Carrot Bread (see review below) ! This "carrot cake bread" is a recipe the whole family will love!

But if you still really want cake, here's a super Healthy & Light Carrot Cake (that's also Weight Watchers friendly)!

whole carrot cake decorated with pineapple and carrots on a aqua cake stand

You just may want to save it for the evening! 🙂

⭐ Reviews

Did you make this recipe? Please RATE THE RECIPE below

Here's what others are saying: "This recipe is incredible, and has now become my go-to carrot cake! I've made it twice, firstly as a loaf cake, and then as a two tier 8-inch cake with added toasted pecans (I increased the ingredient quantities and adjusted the cooking time), and they were both a total success. Neither my guests, nor myself for that matter, could believe that it wasn't a normal, full-fat, high-sugar cake. Thank you so much for this recipe, I look forward to making it again! " ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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healthy carrot loaf sliced on a cutting board
Food Meandering Logo

🥕Healthy Carrot Bread Recipe

This easy and healthy carrot bread is quick, simple to make and full of real wholesome ingredients, like whole wheat flour and yogurt! It makes a great lunchbox snack or dessert.
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: North American
Keyword: carrot bread, carrot loaf, healthy carrot loaf
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: 137kcal
Author: Terri Gilson
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup whole wheat flour
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 egg
  • 3 tablespoon vegetable oil *or canola oil
  • ¾ cup non- fat plain Greek yogurt (0%) ( or regular yogurt)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded carrots about 3 medium carrots
  • ½ cup finely chopped pineapple/crushed pineapple Optional: You can add a ½ cup finely chopped pineapple (fresh or canned). Just make sure you squeeze out the liquid. It's a really nice addition and makes for a moist bread. But you'll potentially need to cook the loaf 8-10 minutes longer (I did) or until a cake tester comes out clean.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    Spray a 9X5 loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. 
  • Combine dry ingredients (flours, spices, baking soda, and baking powder) in a medium bowl. Set aside.
    dry ingredients in bowl
  • In another large bowl, beat egg till fluffy,
    egg beaten in a bowl
  • Then beat in other wet ingredients (oil, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla.) Stir in grated carrots.
    wet ingredients mixed with carrots in a bowl
  • Add dry mixture to wet mixture and stir until combined.
    dry and wet mixture combined in bowl
  • If you are adding pineapple, add it here.
    pineapple added to mixture
  • Pour batter into greased loaf pan.
    batter in a loaf pan
  • Bake at 350F for approximately 50 minutes or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted comes out clean.
    carrot loaf baked in a pan
  • Let cool in pan 5 minutes, then remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack.

Notes

💭 Top tip
Shredded your carrots with food processor then freeze them in 1 or 2 cup bags (I do both)
📖 Variations
** Optional: You can add a ½ cup finely chopped pineapple (fresh or canned). Just make sure you squeeze out the liquid. It's a really nice addition. But you'll potentially need to cook the loaf 8-10 minutes longer (I did) or until a cake tester comes out clean.
My Amazon recommendations (affiliate links)

Nutrition Facts
🥕Healthy Carrot Bread Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 137 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 14mg5%
Sodium 125mg5%
Potassium 146mg4%
Carbohydrates 22g7%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 9g10%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 1800IU36%
Vitamin C 0.7mg1%
Calcium 52mg5%
Iron 0.8mg4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 137kcal (7%) | Carbohydrates: 22g (7%) | Protein: 3g (6%) | Fat: 4g (6%) | Saturated Fat: 2g (13%) | Cholesterol: 14mg (5%) | Sodium: 125mg (5%) | Potassium: 146mg (4%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 9g (10%) | Vitamin A: 1800IU (36%) | Vitamin C: 0.7mg (1%) | Calcium: 52mg (5%) | Iron: 0.8mg (4%)
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!
Rate this Recipe

🍞More Quick Bread Recipes!

  • Classic Lemon Loaf
  • Pumpkin Bread
  • Healthy Tropical Banana Bread (with Lime Glaze)
  • Old Fashioned Date Nut Loaf
  • Saskatoon Berry Loaf with Brown Butter Glaze
  • Easy Cinnamon Swirl Bread with Lemon Glaze
  • Blueberry Gingerbread Loaf with Fresh Lime Glaze.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Colleen

    January 12, 2018 at 12:34 pm

    Cake for breakfast is a trend I can't get on board with, either. But this loaf looks so good, it would be an excellent substitute!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 12, 2018 at 9:26 pm

      Thanks, Colleen!

      Reply
    • Julie

      October 05, 2021 at 3:57 pm

      I will have to try your version
      with pineapple and yogurt. I have usually grated 1 more cup of carrots or zucchini or both and added 1/4 tsp ground cloves and sprinkle of cardamom, mini chocolate chips or chopped pecans to trssqueezensform it into an afternoon treat with tea or coffee.❤Hearty loaves like these are very popular in Northern Europe ❤ chopped raspberry and blueberries together with a squeeze of lemon juice is one combination muffin you should try. The combination is delicious!

      Reply
      • Terri Gilson

        October 10, 2021 at 5:02 pm

        I hope you enjoy it, Julie!

        Reply
    • Margit

      November 29, 2022 at 8:12 pm

      I’ve been looking for a healthy recipe for Carrot Bread., Your recipe for Healthy Carrot Bread looks very healthy. I’m anxious to try it.,

      Question,
      I prefer not to use yogurt. Do you have any substitute suggestions, Like maybe apple sauce,

      Thanks

      Reply
      • Terri Gilson

        November 29, 2022 at 8:20 pm

        Hi,
        You'd be better off using buttermilk, or milk with a little lemon juice or vinegar (homemade buttermilk) if you want to keep it light. And be sure to use 1/4 less milk than the amount of yogurt called for (so 1/2 cup). If you use apple sauce, you'll need to cut the sugar and it can make baked goods chewy, so I wouldn't recommend it. You could also substitute non-fat sour cream.
        I'd love to hear what you use and how it turns out! Hope you enjoy it 🙂
        Terri

        Reply
  2. Amanda (Peppers & Pennies)

    January 13, 2018 at 11:54 am

    What a power-packed breakfast this would be! it also, as you mention, would make a great healthier dessert! Carrot cake is always so moist and delicious and perfect with an after dinner coffee so I know this would be a winner!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 13, 2018 at 1:19 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • Christine

        April 15, 2022 at 11:04 am

        This turned out great! I replaced the applesauce with silken tofu because I had some in hand. I used einkorn flour and added dried cranberries and walnuts. So wholesome and yummy!!

        Reply
        • Terri Gilson

          April 16, 2022 at 9:35 pm

          I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Christine! Love your ad ins!

          Reply
  3. Susanne

    January 27, 2018 at 8:06 pm

    I made this loaf for a group and it must have been enjoyed because there were only a few pieces left!! Was easy to make and so light!! Delicious!!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 27, 2018 at 9:07 pm

      Thanks Susanne! I’m so glad everyone enjoyed It!

      Reply
    • Julie

      October 05, 2021 at 3:39 pm

      I hear ya. My german mom wouldn't let us eat what most other families did. Co-ops, recycling, food from scratch, whole grains or dark rye over white breads, vegs from garden, berry picking etc during 70's, carrot and zucchini loaves, buckwheat pancakes or oat whole grain or nut flours. Treats were rare but we did use white flour for some Christmas cookies and tortes.

      Reply
      • Terri Gilson

        October 10, 2021 at 5:02 pm

        Yes, I felt deprived then, but we sure learned healthy eating, didn't we?!

        Reply
  4. C mitchell

    November 12, 2019 at 4:53 pm

    We love this carrot loaf! Delicious on its own or w low fat cream cheese. Highly recommend this recipe.

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      November 12, 2019 at 6:36 pm

      I'm so glad you loved it! Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂

      Reply
  5. Paula

    November 23, 2019 at 1:38 pm

    Great recipe- thanks Terri.
    I added some ground walnuts. Will definitely be keeping this recipe 😁

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      November 24, 2019 at 7:01 am

      Hi Paula,
      Thank you -I'm glad you enjoyed it! The ground walnuts sound like a delicious addition!

      Reply
  6. Laura

    April 24, 2020 at 10:08 am

    Hi Terri, Can I make this and freeze it?

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 25, 2020 at 9:27 am

      Yes, I do it all the time!

      Reply
  7. Carlos at Spoonabilities

    April 25, 2020 at 9:38 pm

    Carrot cake or loaf is our favorite way to eat carrots. I will save this recipe for sure!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      April 26, 2020 at 6:39 pm

      Great -enjoy it!

      Reply
  8. Hannah

    May 28, 2021 at 8:26 am

    This recipe is incredible, and has now become my go-to carrot cake!
    I've made it twice, firstly as a loaf cake, and then as a two tier 8-inch cake with added toasted pecans (I increased the ingredient quantities and adjusted the cooking time), and they were both a total success. Neither my guests, nor myself for that matter, could believe that it wasn't a normal, full-fat, high-sugar cake.

    Thank you so much for this recipe, I look forward to making it again!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      May 28, 2021 at 1:54 pm

      I'm glad you love it, Hannah! It's one of our faves too 🙂 And that's great that no one realized it wasn't actually a carrot cake!
      Thanks for taking the time to comment and rate this recipe 🙂

      Reply
  9. Solange

    August 23, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Should the carrots be packed in the cup?

    It would be great to have the ingredients by weight. 🙂

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      August 24, 2021 at 7:17 am

      Hi,
      Yes, loosely packed, not hard packed. It's 3.88 oz or 110 g per cup of grated carrots. Hope that helps!
      Enjoy... 🙂
      Terri

      Reply
  10. Gail Norton

    January 27, 2023 at 8:29 am

    I want to make this into muffins how should I cook for and at what oven temperature?

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      January 29, 2023 at 12:46 pm

      Hi Gail,
      I've never made this recipe into muffins, but I would cook them at the same temperature (350 degrees F) for 20 minutes, then check them. If not ready, put them back in for another 5 minutes. Enjoy!
      Terri

      Reply
  11. Grace

    February 07, 2023 at 11:05 am

    This recipeis really rocks!! So delicious and healthy!! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      February 07, 2023 at 8:52 pm

      Hi Grace,
      So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for leaving a review 🙂
      Terri

      Reply
  12. Gordon McNeil

    February 12, 2023 at 2:54 pm

    To be even healthier you can substitute 1/4 cup honey for 1/2 cup sugar !

    Reply
    • Terri Gilson

      February 13, 2023 at 6:05 am

      Hi Gordon,
      Yes, but you'd possibly have to adjust the dry ingredients a bit to compensate for the additional liquid in the honey. I'll have to try it!
      Terri

      Reply

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I'm Terri, a passionate home cook and baker, an award-winning recipe developer and a busy working mom that is trying to eat healthy and fit everything into not enough hours in a day! My mission is to share not only my recipes, cooking hacks and tips with you, but also my secrets to successful weight maintenance.

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