This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a perfectly moist, flavorful, and naturally sweet loaf that combines the spiced goodness of carrot cake with the sweetness of ripe bananas. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier version)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup raisins or shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mash the bananas. Add grated carrots, oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread moist. Stir in nuts, raisins, or coconut if using.
5. Bake:
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool & Serve:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Perfect Carrot Cake Banana Bread
- Ripe bananas: The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread.
- Grate carrots finely: Ensures even moisture and texture.
- Moisture control: Do not overmix to prevent a dense loaf.
- Optional glaze: Drizzle with a simple cream cheese or vegan icing for extra indulgence.
Variations
- Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax or chia eggs and use plant-based milk if needed.
- Spice it Up: Add cardamom or allspice for deeper flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Nut-Free: Omit nuts and substitute with seeds if desired.
Serving Ideas
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snack
- Serve with a spread of nut butter or dairy-free cream cheese
- Great for meal prep or gifting during the holidays
This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is moist, spiced, and naturally sweet, making it a delicious and wholesome treat for any time of day. 🥕🍌✨