Wholesome Apple-Carrot Oatmeal Loaf

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1½ cups (150g) rolled oats
• 1 cup (120g) almond flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (100g) grated apple (about 1 large apple)
• ¾ cup (80g) grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
• ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup
• ¼ cup (60ml) melted coconut oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Optional Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Crushed nuts for topping

Essential Equipment

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Box grater
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack

Detailed Instructions

1. Preparation Phase

1. I always start by preheating my oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. I line my loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
3. I gather all ingredients at room temperature for best results.

2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, I combine:

• Rolled oats
• Almond flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Ground ginger
• Salt

3. Preparing Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, I whisk together:

• Almond milk
• Honey or maple syrup
• Melted coconut oil
• Eggs

1. I fold in:

• Grated apple (with skin for extra nutrition)
• Grated carrots

4. Combining and Baking

1. I gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
2. Pour into the prepared loaf pan.
3. Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Pro Tips

• Grate the apple and carrots just before using to prevent oxidation
• Don’t overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb
• Test doneness with a toothpick at 40 minutes
• Cool completely before frosting

Storage Guidelines

• Room temperature: 2 days (unfrosted)
• Refrigerated: Up to 1 week
• Frozen: Up to 3 months (wrap well)

Nutritional Information

Per slice (1/12 of loaf, unfrosted):

• Calories: 185
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Natural Sugars: 8g
• Fat: 11g
• Iron: 1mg
• Calcium: 65mg

Troubleshooting

If your loaf is:

• Too dense: Check your leavening agents’ freshness
• Too moist: Add 2 tablespoons more almond flour
• Not sweet enough: Increase honey/maple syrup by 2 tablespoons

Variations

I’ve successfully tested these modifications:

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter
• Include raisins or dried cranberries
• Swap ginger for nutmeg
• Use pear instead of apple

This wholesome loaf proves that healthy baking can be both nutritious and delicious. The combination of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables creates a satisfying treat that’s perfect for any time of day.