Dense Sticky Carrot and Date Loaf with Warm Ginger Spice

Welcome, dear friends! I’m so grateful you’re here, savoring every crumb of this Dense Sticky Carrot and Date Loaf. This loaf is a cozy hug for your tastebuds—filled with sweet carrots, mellow dates, and a gentle ginger spice. If you love homey, comforting treats, you’re in for a delightful bake today! Don’t forget to subscribe for more soulful recipes by email 💌

Overview of Recipe Content

This carrot and date loaf is perfect for breakfast with a tea, snack time, or a heartfelt after-dinner treat.

What it is and where it fits

A wholesome, stick-to-your-ribs quick bread—ideal for autumn mornings or anytime you crave something warm and sweet.

Why you’ll love it

Dense and tender crumb with bursts of juicy dates, a sweet-spicy combo, and just the right stickiness.

Taste profile

Honeyed sweetness of brown sugar and dates, warming ginger and cinnamon, with a tender carrot undertone.

Seasonal relevance & benefits

Rooted in seasonal baking traditions, this loaf is veggie-packed, less sugary than cake, and pairs beautifully with herbal teas.

Ingredient list

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• 1½ cups (180 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots
• 1 cup (150 g) chopped pitted dates
• ¼ cup (60 ml) milk (or plant-based alternative)

Tools needed

• 9×5″ loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Grater (for carrots)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups & spoons

Suggested substitutions & additions

• Use whole wheat pastry flour (½ replacing all‑purpose) for nuttier flavor
• Swap dates for raisins or chopped dried apricots
• Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
• For extra warmth: add ¼ tsp nutmeg or cardamom

How to Make Dense Sticky Carrot and Date Loaf with Warm Ginger Spice

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1. Preheat & prep: Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease and line a 9×5″ loaf pan.
2. Dry mix: Whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, ginger, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
3. Cream butter & sugar: In another bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 minutes.
4. Add eggs & vanilla: Mix in eggs, one at a time, then vanilla. The kitchen will smell divine!
5. Combine wet & dry: Fold half of the flour mix into the butter mixture, pour in milk, then stir in the rest until just combined.
6. Stir in carrots & dates: Gently fold in shredded carrots and chopped dates until evenly distributed.
7. Bake: Pour batter into the pan. Bake 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs attached.
8. Cool & enjoy: Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack. Slice and serve when slightly warm or at room temperature.

What to Serve with Dense Sticky Carrot & Date Loaf

• A cup of spiced chai or milky coffee
• Dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt on the side
• A crisp apple or pear salad to balance the sweetness
• For a cozy treat: drizzle with warm honey-butter glaze

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Don’t overmix the batter—too much stirring makes a heavy loaf dense.
• Drain wet ingredients thoroughly—especially if your dates are syrupy.
• Check oven temps—rotate pan halfway through for even baking.
• Make ahead tip: Bake and wrap cooled loaf tightly. It actually gets stickier after a day—magic!

Storage Instructions

• Room temp: Store tightly wrapped for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap in plastic, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and warm slightly before serving.

General Information

Carrot & date loaves have roots in British teatime traditions—fully embracing seasonal veggies and dried fruit. Dates add natural sweetness and moisture, while ginger brings a comforting note of warmth.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour?
A: Absolutely—swap half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat pastry flour for a nutty twist.

Q: My dates sank—help!
A: Toss chopped dates in a teaspoon of flour before adding—this helps them stay suspended.

Q: Can I turn this into muffins?
A: Yes! Bake muffins 18–22 minutes at 350 °F.

Q: Can I omit butter?
A: Swap with coconut oil (same measure) for a dairy-free version.

Q: Spice hound?
A: Add ½ tsp ground nutmeg or a pinch of black pepper for extra warmth.

Conclusion

This Dense Sticky Carrot and Date Loaf with Warm Ginger Spice is comfort in loaf form—moist, tender, and joyously sweet-spicy. If you loved this, I bet you’ll adore my Molten Chocolate Lava Cake and Lemon Shrimp Scampi Pasta. Thanks for baking with me—leave a star review, or tag your pic on Pinterest @poulefrecipe! 💛

Interactive Elements

I’d LOVE to hear your notes: Did you add nuts? Use plant milk? Leave a comment below and share a photo on Pinterest using @poulefrecipe or tag me—it truly makes my day!

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown per slice (1 of 12):

Calories	Fat	Sat. Fat	Carbs	Fiber	Sugar	Protein	Sodium
250 kcal	11 g	7 g	36 g	2 g	20 g	3 g	180 mg

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