Description
This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a moist, spiced quick bread that blends the sweetness of ripe bananas with the wholesome texture of grated carrots. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, this family-friendly loaf is easy to make, full of warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, and customizable with walnuts or raisins.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: provides structure to the bread
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: helps the bread rise
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: gives additional leavening
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: enhances overall flavor
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: adds warm spice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: deepens the spice profile
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: adds richness and moisture
- 1 cup granulated sugar: sweetens the loaf
- 2 large eggs: binds the ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: adds flavor depth
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas): provides natural sweetness and moisture
- 1 cup grated carrots: adds moisture, texture, and nutrition
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): adds crunch and nuttiness
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional): adds chewiness and extra sweetness
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add mashed bananas and grated carrots to the wet mixture, and stir until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Fold in chopped walnuts and raisins if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for best sweetness and moisture.
- Grate carrots finely to help them blend seamlessly into the batter.
- Don’t overmix to avoid a dense loaf.
- This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and store up to 3 months.
- Add a cream cheese glaze or frosting for a dessert-style variation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Breads
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg