If you’re searching for a delightful treat that marries the heartiness of banana bread with the warm spices of carrot cake, this Carrot Cake Banana Bread recipe is your answer! Bursting with flavor and brimming with wholesome ingredients, each slice serves up a comforting hug that feels like home.

Every time I whip up this recipe, I’m reminded of lazy Sunday afternoons spent in the kitchen, the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the house, bringing everyone together. My kids have given it a fitting nickname: “Best of Both Worlds.” It’s hard not to smile when they come in from playing outside, their little faces lighting up at that cozy smell filling the kitchen.

Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Print Recipe

A delightful treat that combines the heartiness of banana bread with the warm spices of carrot cake.

Author: 02
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 ripe bananas
1 cup finely grated carrots
2 eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
½ cup raisins (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl, then stir in grated carrots, eggs, sugars, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in nuts and raisins if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Serve warm with butter or cream cheese frosting. Best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine a moist banana bread, enhanced by the sweetness of grated carrots, complemented by crunchy walnuts and a hint of warm spices. This delightful combination is not just tasty; it captures the essence of shared moments, like baking with Grandma or surprise snacks after school. The joy that comes from biting into a piece of homemade goodness is truly something special. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

Let’s Cook It Together

What You’ll Need

2 ripe bananas
1 cup finely grated carrots
2 eggs
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
½ cup raisins (optional)

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Stir in the grated carrots, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If you’re using walnuts and raisins, fold them in gently at this stage.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition Values

Serving size: 1 slice
Calories: 180
Protein: 3g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 2g

Packed with nutritious ingredients, this bread is not only delicious but also offers a decent amount of fiber, keeping you satisfied without weighing you down.

Best Ways to Serve It

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a champion at any time of day! Serve it warm, straight out of the oven, with a pat of butter or a hint of cream cheese frosting for a decadent brunch treat. Pair a slice with a cozy cup of tea or coffee for those quiet afternoon moments. Feeling adventurous? Try it as a base for a delightful dessert topped with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Keeping It Fresh

To store any leftovers, wrap your banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in a zip-top bag; it can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Pro Tips from My Kitchen

Ingredient Ripeness: The riper the bananas, the better! Look for bananas that are brown and spotty to maximize sweetness.
Grate Finely: Make sure your carrots are finely grated; that way, they blend seamlessly with the banana and enhance the texture.
Customize Your Nuts: Feel free to use pecans or omit the nuts if you’re looking for a nut-free version.
Add a Zing: For an extra burst of flavor, toss in a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest into the batter.
Use Greek Yogurt: Swap out some of the oil with Greek yogurt for an even moister bread.

Creative Twists to Try

Feeling adventurous in the kitchen? Experiment with your flavors! You can add a handful of chocolate chips for a dessert-like treat, or swap the walnuts for sunflower seeds for a nut-free option. Feel free to add some shredded coconut for a tropical twist or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a unique spicy note that pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness.

FAQs

Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! This banana bread freezes wonderfully. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to keep out the air, and you can enjoy it for up to three months.

What’s the best substitute for eggs?
You can replace one egg with a quarter cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed combined with 2.5 tablespoons of water) for a vegan option.

How long will this stay fresh?
When stored properly, this banana bread can stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. In the fridge, it can last for a week, but I bet it won’t last that long!

Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake it in two separate pans, or in a larger pan. Adjust the baking time if you go with a larger loaf, just keep an eye on it as it bakes!

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home, creating memories and filling bellies with delight! Enjoy the baking and the comfort it brings!