Spiced Carrot & Date Loaf

If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast option that will satisfy your sweet tooth while offering good nutrition, this loaf is for you! If you can get your hands on farm-fresh carrots this time of the year, pick them up at your local farmer's market. Carrots that have undergone a frost are sweeter than summer carrots, and the flavor comes out in this loaf of bread. This little treat is sweetened with honey and chopped dates, and the warming spices of cinnamon and nutmeg tie the whole thing together. This is my favorite kind of winter breakfast when I take the time to enjoy it with a cup of coffee and serve it in a thick slice that I’ve toasted in the oven before slathering on an embarrassing amount of butter. But hey, if you just want to eat it straight up, that’s fine too! I hope you all love this seasonal loaf as much as we do. Happy baking, everyone!

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup walnut oil (or another neutral-tasting oil)
• 3/4 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated carrot
• 1 cup dates, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
• Sprinkle of old-fashioned oats (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with oil or butter to prevent the loaf from sticking.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
   Beat the Eggs: In a medium to large bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy.
   Add Oil, Honey, and Vanilla: Gradually add the walnut oil while beating the eggs. Drizzle in the honey and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
   Whisk Together Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, grated nutmeg, and sea salt. Ensure the spices and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating well until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
   Add Carrots and Dates: Fold the freshly grated carrots and chopped dates into the batter, mixing until evenly distributed.
5. Prepare for Baking
   Pour into Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
   Top with Walnuts and Oats: Sprinkle chopped walnuts and old-fashioned oats over the batter for added texture and crunch.
6. Bake the Loaf
   Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
   Cool: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy
   Slice and Serve: Once the loaf is thoroughly cooled, slice it into thick pieces. Serve toasted with a generous spread of butter or plain.
   Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for extended storage; just thaw and toast before serving.

Additional Tips

• Variations: For a different twist, feel free to add other mix-ins like raisins, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have walnut oil, you can use another neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. For a dairy-free option, serve plant-based yogurt instead of dairy yogurt.
• Presentation: For a more festive presentation, drizzle the cooled loaf with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or top it with cream cheese frosting.

Enjoy this delicious Spiced Carrot & Date Loaf, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!