Description
This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful twist on traditional banana bread, incorporating grated carrots, warm spices, nuts, and raisins for added texture and taste. Topped with a creamy cinnamon-vanilla cream cheese frosting, it’s a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 2 medium overripe bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups white whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup raisins
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 8oz block cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bread pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas and eggs until smooth.
- Add oil, syrup, and vanilla: Stir in melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract into the banana-egg mixture until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, mix together the white whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter is just combined with no streaks of flour.
- Add carrots, nuts, and raisins: Fold in the grated carrots, chopped walnuts or pecans, and raisins evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared bread pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting: While the bread is baking, use a hand mixer to blend the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and flavorings: Gradually mix in powdered sugar until incorporated, then add cinnamon and vanilla bean paste. Continue mixing until the frosting is smooth.
- Frost the bread: Once the loaf is completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice and enjoy your carrot cake banana bread fresh or store it covered in the refrigerator for later.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Ensure the bread is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
- Feel free to substitute nuts or leave them out for nut-free version.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use vegan cream cheese and butter alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
