A delicious, golden-brown slice of Date Sweetened Carrot Loaf on a minimalist white plate, drizzled lightly with a date glaze. It rests on the same wooden cutting board on marble countertops, with natural morning light creating soft shadows. Fresh herbs are visible in the blurred background. The loaf is perfectly moist and crumbly, showcasing its wholesome appeal.

Date Sweetened Carrot Loaf: Wholesome & Moist

ByMaya
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A whole Date Sweetened Carrot Loaf, beautifully golden and subtly spiced, cooling on a wire rack on the same wooden cutting board. A few stray carrot shreds and a hint of warm steam rise gently, set against the marble countertops with natural morning light. Fresh herbs add a touch of green to the soft background, emphasizing its homemade warmth.

Date Sweetened Carrot Loaf: Spiced & Wholesome

Friends, get ready for what I can only describe as an absolute game-changer in the world of healthy-ish baking: my Spiced & Wholesome Date Sweetened Carrot Loaf. I still vividly remember the day I decided to swap out traditional refined sugar for the rich, caramel-like sweetness of dates in a classic carrot loaf recipe. It felt like a small, delicious kitchen rebellion, a whisper of ‘we can do better!’ that quickly blossomed into a full-blown flavor revolution right here in my humble kitchen, a journey that also led to the creation of delights like my Raspberry Lemon Gluten-Free Bread.

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The true magic, however, unfolds as this loaf bakes, filling your home with the most intoxicating aroma of warm cinnamon, fragrant nutmeg, and fresh, earthy carrots mingling together – it’s pure, unadulterated joy, I tell you!

This Date Sweetened Carrot Loaf, isn’t just another recipe; it’s an open invitation to a cozier, more wholesome way to savor a beloved comfort food, allowing you to indulge deliciously without a hint of refined sugar guilt. Trust me on this one: your taste buds won’t miss a thing, and your soul will thank you for this delightful, nourishing treat.

Date Sweetened Carrot Loaf: Wholesome & Moist
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Date Sweetened Carrot Loaf: Wholesome & Moist

Recipe by MayaCourse: BreadsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

A naturally sweetened, incredibly moist carrot loaf spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, made wholesome with the goodness of dates and fresh carrots.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup pitted Medjool dates, packed

  • 1/2 cup hot water

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

  • 1/4 cup neutral oil (like avocado or melted coconut oil)

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour)

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (about 2-3 medium carrots)

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper.
  • In a heatproof bowl, combine the pitted dates and hot water. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes until softened. Then, transfer the dates and water to a food processor and blend until a smooth date paste forms. Scrape down the sides as needed.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the date paste, applesauce, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough loaf.
  • Gently fold in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  • Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil.
  • Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, slice and enjoy! Optional: Drizzle with a simple date glaze (thin extra date paste with a little water) or a cream cheese frosting.

Notes

    • Date Paste Secret: For the creamiest date paste, ensure your dates are very soft. If they’re a bit firm, soak them in hot water for an extra 5-10 minutes. A high-speed blender will give you the smoothest consistency, leading to a perfectly moist loaf.
    • Grate It Right: Finely grated carrots are key for an evenly distributed and moist Date Sweetened Carrot Loaf. Avoid chunky pieces, as they can make the loaf unevenly baked. A food processor with a grating attachment makes this step a breeze!
    • Spice Harmony: Don’t skip the spices! The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger is what truly makes this carrot loaf sing. Feel free to adjust to your preference, but these ratios create a beautifully warm and wholesome flavor profile that complements the dates perfectly.

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