1-First step: prep the pan and oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper, letting a little hang over the sides if possible. This makes it easier to lift the loaf out later, which helps protect the shape of your homemade carrot bread.

2-Second step: mix the dry ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Whisking now helps spread the leavening and spice evenly through the batter, so every slice tastes balanced. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the wet mixture.

3-Third step: combine the wet ingredients In a large bowl, mix the shredded carrots, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything looks evenly blended. The carrots will start to release moisture, which is exactly what helps make this carrot bread so soft and tender.

4-Fourth step: bring the batter together Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold gently until the flour disappears, then stop. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so use a light hand. If you are adding walnuts, fold in the 3/4 cup chopped walnuts at this stage. If you want to use toasted walnuts, coconut, raisins, or diced apples, add them now in place of or alongside the walnuts, depending on your preference.

5-Fifth step: fill the loaf pan Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Try not to pack it down. A level top helps the loaf bake more evenly and gives you a nice slice once it cools.

6-Sixth step: bake until done Bake for 55 to 65 minutes at 350°F. Because ovens can vary, start checking about 10 minutes early. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.

7-Final step: cool and slice Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment and place it on a wire rack. Cool fully before slicing so the crumb can set properly. This helps your homemade moist carrot bread stay neat, soft, and sliceable.