Super Delicious Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Super Delicious Carrot Cake Banana Bread is the perfect combination of two beloved desserts: moist, spiced carrot cake and sweet, fragrant banana bread. This loaf is packed with rich flavors, tender texture, and a hint of warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg, making it a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The bananas keep the bread soft and naturally sweet, while the carrots add a subtle crunch and earthy sweetness. Whether you’re a fan of carrot cake or banana bread, this recipe brings the best of both worlds together in one decadent loaf.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55-60 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Makes: 1 loaf (8×4-inch)

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium-sized carrots)

2 large eggs

1/2 cup olive oil (or melted coconut oil for a healthier option)

1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 8×4-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the grated carrots, eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Combine:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If you’re using walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut, fold them in at this point.

Pour and Bake:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve:

Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Tips and Tricks:

Ripe Bananas:

The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even slightly overripe.

Carrots:

Grate the carrots finely to ensure they bake evenly and blend smoothly into the batter. You can use a food processor to speed up the process.

Add-ins:

Get creative with your add-ins! Raisins, dried cranberries, or even a handful of chocolate chips can make this bread even more indulgent.

For a Frosted Version:

If you want to turn this bread into more of a carrot cake, consider topping it with a cream cheese frosting once it’s completely cool.

Freezing:

This banana bread freezes beautifully! After it’s fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition Facts (per slice, assuming 12 slices):

Calories: 190

Protein: 3g

Fat: 9g

Carbohydrates: 26g

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 12g (natural sugars from bananas and carrots)

Sodium: 170mg

Vitamin A: 8% of the Daily Value

Vitamin C: 6% of the Daily Value

Calcium: 2% of the Daily Value

Iron: 4% of the Daily Value

This Super Delicious Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a treat you’ll want to make again and again, with its naturally sweet flavors and moist, tender crumb. Perfect for any occasion!