1-First step: prepare the pan and oven Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper so the bread lifts out easily after baking. This small step makes slicing and cleanup much simpler later.

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 helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly, so every slice tastes balanced. Set this bowl aside while you work on the wet ingredients.

3-Third step: combine the wet ingredients In a large bowl, add the shredded carrots, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture looks evenly blended. The carrots should be spread throughout the wet mixture so they do not clump in one spot.

4-Fourth step: bring the batter together Add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Fold them together gently, then add the chopped walnuts. Stir just until combined. It is important not to overmix, because overmixing can make the loaf dense instead of soft and tender. Mix only until the flour disappears. A few small streaks are better than a heavy batter that has been stirred too long.

5-Fifth step: fill the pan and bake Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top lightly with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

6-Sixth step: check carefully near the end Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking the bread about 10 minutes before the end of the bake time. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil during the last part of baking. This helps the center cook through without overbaking the crust.

7-Final step: cool and slice Let the bread cool in the pan for a short time before lifting it out with the parchment. Then place it on a wire rack and cool completely before slicing. Cooling fully helps the loaf set, so each slice comes out neat instead of crumbly.