Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Great use for sourdough discard
• Moist and tender texture
• Loaded with fresh carrots
• Warm cinnamon spice flavor
• Easy quick bread recipe
• Perfect for spring and fall baking
• Delicious with cream cheese glaze

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 1 cup (240g) sourdough discard
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 cups (220g) finely grated carrots

Optional Mix-Ins

• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ½ cup raisins
• ¼ cup shredded coconut

Cream Cheese Glaze

• 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Box grater
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger
• Salt

Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl whisk together:

• Sourdough discard
• Vegetable oil
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Mix until just combined.

Do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Carrots and Mix-Ins

Fold in:

• Grated carrots
• Walnuts or pecans (if using)
• Raisins (if using)
• Coconut (if using)

The batter will be thick.

Step 6: Fill the Pan

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.

Smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until:

• A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
• The top is golden brown
• The loaf springs back lightly when touched

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the final 15 minutes.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Cream Cheese Glaze

Step 9: Make the Glaze

In a bowl beat together:

• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract

until smooth and pourable.

Step 10: Decorate

Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled loaf.

Allow the glaze to set for 15 minutes before slicing.

Optional Cinnamon Streusel Topping

For extra carrot cake flavor, sprinkle this topping over the batter before baking:

• ¼ cup flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cold butter

Mix until crumbly and scatter over the loaf.

Baker’s Tips

Grate Carrots Fresh

Freshly grated carrots provide the best moisture and flavor.

Use Thick Sourdough Discard

A thicker discard creates a better loaf texture.

Don’t Overmix

Mix only until ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.

Cool Before Glazing

Warm bread can melt the glaze.

Toast Leftovers

Slices are wonderful lightly toasted with butter.

Variations

Pineapple Carrot Bread

Add:

• ½ cup crushed pineapple, drained

for extra moisture and sweetness.

Maple Carrot Cake Bread

Replace the glaze with a maple glaze made from maple syrup and powdered sugar.

Carrot Walnut Bread

Add:

• ¾ cup chopped walnuts

for additional crunch.

Tropical Carrot Bread

Add:

• Coconut
• Pineapple
• Macadamia nuts

for a tropical twist.

Storage

Room Temperature

Store covered for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Freezer

Freeze whole or sliced for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight before serving.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Slice)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 24g

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Coffee or chai tea
• Cream cheese spread
• Honey butter
• Fresh fruit
• Hot apple cider
• Vanilla yogurt

Recipe Notes

Sourdough Carrot Cake Bread delivers all the flavors of a classic homemade carrot cake in an easy-to-make loaf. The combination of tangy sourdough discard, sweet carrots, warm spices, and creamy glaze creates a moist, flavorful bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. One slice and you’ll have a new favorite way to use sourdough discard.