Spiced Carrot Bread with Cinnamon-Nutmeg Infused Butter

Spiced Carrot Bread with Cinnamon-Nutmeg Infused Butter

Discover the perfect blend of flavors with this Spiced Carrot Bread Cake recipe, a delightful alternative to traditional carrot cake. Combining the moistness of carrot bread with the rich flavors typical of a classic carrot cake, this spiced bread is an ideal treat for those who love a hint of sweetness and a burst of spice in their baked goods.

Ingredients

Dry Mix:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (essential for a tender crumb)
• 1 tsp baking powder (for rise)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (helps with texture)
• 1/2 tsp salt (enhances flavors)
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (key in spiced bread recipes)
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (adds warmth)
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger (for a spicy kick)
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (for depth of flavor)

Wet Mix:

• 1 cup light brown sugar (adds moisture and sweetness)
• 1 cup cinnamon-nutmeg infused butter, room temperature (for richness)
• 3 large eggs, room temperature (binds the ingredients)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for additional flavor)

Fold-Ins:

• 1 1/2 cups grated carrots (the star of carrot bread cake)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, well-drained (for tropical sweetness)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, adds texture)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional, for natural sweetness)

Recipe Instructions

Day 1: Prep Work

1. Mixing Carrots and Pineapple:

   • Combine grated carrots and drained pineapple, refrigerate overnight. This step is crucial in any carrot bread or carrot cake recipe for deepening the flavors.

2. Dry Ingredients Mix:

   • Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Store in a container at room temperature. This preparation is key in creating the perfect spiced bread base.

Day 2: Baking the Carrot Bread Cake

1. Room Temperature Ingredients:

   • Bring the carrot-pineapple mix to room temperature, essential for even baking.

2. Oven Preparation:

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan, a standard size for carrot bread and cake recipes.

3. Creaming Process:

   • In a large bowl, beat infused butter and brown sugar until fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). This technique is often found in carrot cake recipes for a light and airy texture.

4. Eggs and Vanilla Addition:

   • Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla if using, beating well. This step is vital for a well-emulsified batter.

5. Combining Mixes:

   • Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet, a common step in carrot bread and spiced bread recipes.

6. Final Fold-Ins:

   • Gently fold in the carrot-pineapple mixture, nuts, and raisins, ensuring even distribution, a crucial step in carrot bread cake recipes.

7. Baking:

   • Pour batter into the prepared pan, bake for 60-70 minutes. This baking time is typical for carrot bread and similar spiced breads.

8. Cooling:

   • Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Conclusion

This Spiced Carrot Bread Cake is a must-try for fans of carrot cake and carrot bread alike. The blend of spices, moist texture from the carrots and pineapple, and the richness of the cinnamon-nutmeg-infused butter create a delightful treat. It's a perfect example of how traditional carrot cake can be transformed into a uniquely flavored spiced bread, making it ideal for any occasion.

Notes for Bakers:

• Vanilla Extract: Included as an optional ingredient, vanilla can add a subtle warmth and depth to the bread. It's a flexible addition based on personal taste preferences.
• Texture Considerations: Using cinnamon-nutmeg infused butter adds richness to the bread and may result in a slightly denser texture compared to using oil. If you prefer a moister crumb, you can substitute with an equal amount of a neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable oil.

• Spices Adjustment: If your infused butter is strongly flavored, you may reduce or omit the additional ground cinnamon and nutmeg to balance the overall flavor.

This recipe results in a richly flavored, aromatic carrot bread, perfect for a cozy treat or a special occasion. The preparation over two days allows the flavors to deepen, creating a delightful treat for all who enjoy it. Happy baking! 🥕🍞🍍🧈✨