Ingredients
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (180g) grated carrots
• 1 cup (150g) chopped pitted dates
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• ½ cup (120ml) milk (or orange juice for extra flavor)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a small bowl, soak chopped dates in warm milk (or juice) for 10 minutes to soften. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Mix in grated carrots and soaked dates. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until combined. Add nuts if using. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool before slicing.
This loaf is dense, moist, naturally sweet from carrots and dates, and perfect for breakfast or a wholesome snack.