1. Prepare the Oats:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If desired, blend the rolled oats in a blender or food processor until they become a coarse flour. This will give the bread a finer texture.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the oats (blended or whole), all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, grated carrots, chopped nuts (if using), applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a bit lumpy.
5. Bake:
- Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare the Glaze (optional):
- While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or water, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread for a sweet finishing touch.
7. Serve:
- Slice and serve the carrot bread as a snack, breakfast, or dessert. Enjoy it plain or with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
Tips for Success:
- Grating Carrots: Use finely grated carrots to ensure they blend well into the bread and add moisture without large chunks.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in dense bread.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Conclusion: Carrot bread made with oats is a nutritious and delicious option that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the wholesome goodness of oats. Whether you enjoy it as a healthy breakfast or a tasty snack, this bread offers a satisfying and flavorful experience. Try it with a light glaze for added sweetness or enjoy it plain for a more wholesome treat.