I started working on this recipe earlier in the year, and it has been my favorite sweet treat to enjoy during the colder seasons! I just finished baking it for my dad’s birthday as his “cake” because he loves it. It’s the kind of loaf that can be hearty enough for breakfast, cozy enough for afternoon coffee or tea, and sweet enough to pass as dessert.

I was really going for something soft and fluffy, but wanted to keep it wholesome. So this loaf has a combo of both all-purpose and whole wheat flour to bring the fiber content up a notch. There’s greek yogurt for a little bit of protein, and dates and walnuts for added texture. It is so freaking good!

Why You’ll Love It

  • Moist and fluffy: applesauce, greek yogurt, and shredded carrots keep it from drying out.
  • Nutritious but cozy: whole wheat flour adds fiber, while walnuts bring crunch and healthy fats.
  • Low sugar: dates and carrot give the loaf sweetness without relying on tons of sugar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • All-purpose flour
  • Whole wheat flour
  • Brown sugar
  • Carrots
  • Unsweetened applesauce
  • Coconut oil
  • Plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 large egg
  • Milk (plant-based or regular)
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Dates
  • Walnuts
  • Cinnamon
  • Nutmeg
  • Salt

Tips for the Best Loaf

  • Soak the dates: This keeps them plump and adds natural sweetness.
  • Don’t skip the yogurt: It’s the secret to keeping it moist with the benefit of getting in a little extra protein!
  • Toast the walnuts: A quick toast brings out their flavor and keeps them crunchy in the loaf.

How to Make It

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, coconut oil, yogurt, egg, and milk. Stir in the shredded carrots.

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix!

Fold in the soaked dates and walnuts. Pour the batter into your lined loaf pan. Smooth the top and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring to a rack. Slice, serve, and enjoy warm with butter, cream cheese, or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

5 from 1 review

Healthy Carrot Bread (with Dates + Walnuts)

Servings: 10 slices
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Author: Monica Echeverri
A wholesome twist on a classic – this carrot bread with dates is made with whole wheat flour, greek yogurt, and applesauce. Each ingredient was intentionally chosen to make this loaf nutritious, fluffy, and moist. It is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert!
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Ingredients
 

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, sifted if possible
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 5 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 3/4 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 large egg , room temperature
  • 1/4 cup milk, regular or plant-based

Mix-Ins

  • 6-7 dates, pitted, chopped, and soaked in hot water for 10 minutes, then drained
  • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flours, sugar, spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, coconut oil, yogurt, egg, and milk. Stir in the shredded carrots.
  • Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined (don’t overmix).
  • Fold in the soaked dates and walnuts.
  • Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Smooth the top and, if desired, sprinkle with a few extra chopped walnuts.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before transferring to a rack. Slice and enjoy warm!