Carrot Cake Banana Bread

The moment I first tried Carrot Cake Banana Bread, I knew I had stumbled upon a slice of heaven. Imagine the warm aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, blending the sweet, earthy scent of carrots with the rich, comforting notes of ripe bananas. This recipe has become a cherished tradition in my home, especially during the fall when the air is crisp and the leaves turn golden. There’s something magical about the way this bread brings together two beloved treats into one delightful loaf. Every bite is a celebration of flavors that remind me of cozy family gatherings and lazy weekend mornings.

As I take a slice from the loaf and spread a little butter on top, I can’t help but reminisce about the times I baked this with my kids. We would mash the bananas together, giggling at the mushy texture, and grate the carrots with excitement. It’s a perfect recipe for spending quality time together, all while creating something delicious that everyone will love. Whether it’s for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, Carrot Cake Banana Bread fits perfectly into any occasion. Don’t be surprised if it disappears before you even have a chance to savor it yourself!

What You Need for Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making Carrot Cake Banana Bread. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a deliciously moist and flavorful loaf. We’ll be using familiar staples that work harmoniously together, allowing the natural sweetness of the bananas and carrots to shine through.

• 2 cups white, spelt, or oat flour: This forms the base of our bread, providing structure and a nice crumb.
• 1 tsp baking soda: This leavening agent helps our bread rise and gives it a light texture.
• 1 tsp cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the flavors of the carrots and bananas beautifully.
• 3/4 tsp baking powder: Works in conjunction with the baking soda to ensure a fluffy bread.
• 3/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
• 1/8 tsp nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle depth of flavor if desired.
• 1 1/2 cups mashed overripe banana: Provides natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• 1/2 cup finely shredded carrot: Adds sweetness, moisture, and nutrients.
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, honey, or agave: Sweetens the bread while keeping it moist.
• 1/4 cup milk of choice or water: Adds moisture for a perfectly baked loaf.
• 1/4 cup oil or additional water: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavors of the bread.
• 1/2 cup crushed walnuts or shredded coconut (optional): Adds texture and flavor if you choose to include them.

Making Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making Carrot Cake Banana Bread. This process is simple and rewarding. Follow along step-by-step!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is crucial for achieving the perfect bake. Make sure it’s fully heated before placing your loaf inside.
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the bread from sticking and make it easier to remove once baked.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.
4. If you like, you can add in the optional nutmeg and the crushed walnuts or a handful of shredded coconut at this stage for extra flavor and texture.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: the mashed banana, shredded carrot, maple syrup, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
6. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser bread.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. The edges will be golden brown and the top will spring back when lightly touched.
9. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the bread overnight. This allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to improve, making it even more delicious the next day.
11. Leftovers can be sliced and frozen for up to a month, perfect for those busy mornings when you need a quick breakfast or snack!

Things Worth Knowing

Ways to Customize

Customizing your Carrot Cake Banana Bread allows you to make it truly your own. Here are some ideas to inspire your creativity:

• Add spices: Incorporate ground ginger or allspice for added warmth and flavor.
• Incorporate nuts: Use pecans or almonds for a delightful crunch.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Try different sweeteners: Experiment with brown sugar or coconut sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Mix in fruits: Add in some dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and texture.
• Frost it: Top the cooled bread with a layer of cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.
• Serve warm: Slightly warm the slices before serving for a comforting experience.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving Carrot Cake Banana Bread, you have endless possibilities to elevate this delightful treat. Here are some ideas:

• Breakfast Delight: Serve slices with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese for a delicious breakfast.
• Snack Time: Perfect for an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Brunch Favorites: Add it to your brunch spread alongside fresh fruits and yogurt.
• Gifting: Wrap a loaf in parchment paper and twine for a thoughtful homemade gift.
• Seasonal Treat: This bread is perfect for fall gatherings, bringing warmth and coziness to any occasion.
• Storage Options: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container, and it freezes well for those busy days.
• Pair with Ice Cream: For dessert, serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

FAQ

Conclusion

Making Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a truly special experience. The warm, inviting flavors make it a favorite among family and friends. I encourage you to try this recipe for yourself; it’s easy, delicious, and brings a smile to everyone’s face. Don’t wait too long to bake this delightful bread—your taste buds will thank you!

Carrot Cake Banana Bread

The ultimate comfort food, Carrot Cake Banana Bread combines the sweetness of ripe bananas and the earthy flavor of carrots. It's moist, delicious, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. You won't be able to resist making this easy treat tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 180

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Flour
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp Baking Powder
• 3/4 tsp Salt
• 1/8 tsp Nutmeg optional
• 1.5 cups Mashed Overripe Banana
• 1/2 cup Finely Shredded Carrot
• 1/2 cup Pure Maple Syrup
• 1/4 cup Milk of Choice or water
• 1/4 cup Oil or additional water
• 2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 cup Crushed Walnuts optional

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Chef's Knife

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is crucial for achieving the perfect bake.
2. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until evenly mixed.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: the mashed banana, shredded carrot, maple syrup, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
8. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the bread overnight.

Notes

• Storage: Keep the bread in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
• Freezing: Leftovers can be frozen for up to a month.
• Customization: Feel free to experiment with adding spices or nuts.
• Flavor Development: The bread tastes even better the next day.
• Tip: Warm in the microwave for a delightful treat.

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Meet Isla Banks

We eat with our eyes first, so I strive to make every dish look as bountiful as it tastes. I work on every stage of the process, from sourcing the freshest ingredients to styling the final shot. I tested this recipe repeatedly to provide you with the visual inspiration and reliability you need to cook with confidence.