Why Make This Recipe

Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a delicious combination that gives you the best of both worlds. It brings the moistness of banana bread together with the spice and sweetness of carrot cake. This bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. It’s also a great way to use up overripe bananas and leftover carrots.

How to Make Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, grated carrots, oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt together.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana-carrot mixture. Stir until just combined. Add nuts if desired.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before moving it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Banana Bread

You can serve this bread warm or at room temperature. Slice it up and enjoy it plain, or spread some butter on top for extra flavor. It also goes well with cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch.

How to Store Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can store it in the refrigerator for about a week. For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them. They will stay good for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor.
Grate the carrots finely for better texture in the bread.
Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined for a lighter loaf.
Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor.
Add raisins or coconut for a different twist.

Variation

You can add other ingredients like raisins, shredded coconut, or even chocolate chips to make this recipe your own. You could also substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

FAQs

Can I use any type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but it may change the texture and taste slightly.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar, but remember that this may affect the moisture and sweetness of the bread.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and replace the oil with applesauce.
Why is my bread not rising?
Ensure that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old leavening agents can cause the bread not to rise.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer.

Carrot Cake Banana Bread recipe