If you love banana bread but want to elevate it with warm spices and a touch of carrot cake magic, this Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a must try! It’s naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup, dairy free, and incredibly moist perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a creamy dairy free frosting for an extra indulgent touch.
What makes this recipe even better is how simple and wholesome it is! Made with white whole wheat flour, oats, and cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this bread is soft, fluffy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or treating yourself to a weekend bake, this loaf will quickly become a favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup applesauce
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (~1 cup)
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup quick oats
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 cup grated carrots (~2 medium, excess moisture removed)
For the Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ⅓ cup dairy free cream cheese
- ⅓ cup dairy free butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp dairy free milk (optional, for consistency)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x5inch bread pan.
- Grate the carrots and squeeze out excess moisture using a cheesecloth or paper towel.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, applesauce, mashed bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Stir in the oats, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually fold in the flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Gently stir in the shredded carrots.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes, then cover with foil and bake for another 10-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the bread bakes, prepare the frosting by beating all ingredients together in a bowl until light and fluffy. Store in the fridge.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cool, spread the frosting evenly on top.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze (unfrosted) for up to 3 months.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes | Total Time: 55-65 minutes
Kcal: ~210 per slice | Servings: 8-10 slices
Carrot Cake Banana Bread: The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Nutrition
Carrot Cake Banana Bread is the delightful fusion of two beloved classics moist banana bread and spiced carrot cake. This dairy free version is not only flavorful and soft but also made with wholesome ingredients that make it a healthier alternative to traditional baked goods. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a lightly sweetened dessert, this bread delivers a warm, comforting taste in every bite.
But what makes this Carrot Cake Banana Bread stand out? It’s naturally sweetened with bananas and maple syrup, packed with fiber from oats and carrots, and spiced to perfection with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Plus, the optional dairy free cream cheese frosting adds a deliciously creamy layer that perfectly complements the bread’s tender texture.
Let’s take a deep dive into why this recipe is a must have in your baking repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Cakes
Traditional carrot cake and banana bread recipes often call for refined sugar, butter, and all purpose flour. This recipe, however, swaps out unhealthy ingredients for better alternatives bananas provide natural sweetness, applesauce keeps the bread moist, and white whole wheat flour adds fiber. These small changes make a big impact on nutrition without compromising flavor. -
Dairy-Free and Easily Adaptable
For those with dairy sensitivities, this recipe is a game changer. The dairy free cream cheese frosting provides the same creamy taste as traditional frosting but without the dairy. Plus, if you need a vegan option, simply swap the egg for a flax egg, and you’ve got a completely plant based treat! -
Naturally Sweetened and Flavor-Packed
Bananas are the perfect natural sweetener, reducing the need for refined sugar while adding moisture and a mild fruity flavor. Maple syrup enhances the sweetness without overpowering the other flavors, creating a balanced taste that isn’t overly sugary. -
Perfectly Moist and Tender
There’s nothing worse than dry, crumbly banana bread. Thanks to the applesauce, ripe bananas, and shredded carrots, this loaf stays perfectly soft and tender, making each slice incredibly satisfying. -
Great for Meal Prep and Storage
This bread is excellent for meal prepping make it ahead of time, slice it up, and store it in the fridge or freezer for a quick grab and go breakfast or snack. It lasts up to 7 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer, so you’ll always have a delicious treat on hand.
The Magic Behind the Ingredients
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in making the bread flavorful, nutritious, and perfectly textured.
1. Bananas: The Natural Sweetener
Bananas are an essential component of this bread, offering both sweetness and moisture. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more aromatic the bread will be. They also provide potassium, fiber, and vitamins that contribute to overall health.
2. Carrots: A Nutrient Boost
Carrots add natural sweetness, color, and a boost of nutrients like beta carotene, vitamin A, and fiber. They also enhance the bread’s texture, making it slightly denser but still incredibly soft.
3. Maple Syrup: A Healthier Sweetener Choice
Unlike refined sugar, maple syrup is a natural sweetener with trace minerals like zinc and manganese. It adds a subtle caramel like flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm spices in this bread.
4. Spices: Elevating the Flavor
The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger gives this banana bread a classic carrot cake warmth. These spices not only add depth to the flavor but also have anti inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making this treat both delicious and beneficial for your health.
5. Oats and Whole Wheat Flour: A Fiber-Rich Base
Instead of using refined white flour, this recipe includes quick oats and white whole wheat flour for extra fiber and a more nutritious base. This swap makes the bread more filling and supports digestive health.
6. Dairy-Free Frosting: The Creamy Finishing Touch
A traditional cream cheese frosting would normally include butter and cream cheese, but this recipe uses dairy free alternatives, making it accessible to those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. It’s smooth, rich, and subtly sweetened with maple syrup, making it a perfect complement to the spiced loaf.
Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Banana Bread
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of light and fluffy. Fold the ingredients together gently.
- Squeeze out the moisture from the grated carrots: This step is crucial to prevent the bread from becoming too wet. Use a cheesecloth or paper towel to remove excess liquid.
- Cover the bread halfway through baking: This prevents the top from browning too quickly while allowing the center to cook evenly.
- Let it cool before frosting: Spreading frosting on warm bread will make it melt and become runny. Wait until the loaf has fully cooled for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in multiple ways:
- For Breakfast: Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
- As a Snack: Enjoy a slice with nut butter or yogurt for a filling and nutritious snack.
- For Dessert: Serve it warm with a scoop of dairy free vanilla ice cream for an indulgent yet healthy dessert.
- Gift Idea: Wrap up a loaf and share it with friends and family it makes a thoughtful homemade gift!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and left to sit for 5 minutes). The bread will still be moist and delicious!
2. How Do I Store the Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If you’d like to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
3. Can I Skip the Frosting?
Absolutely! This bread is delicious on its own, but if you want an extra layer of indulgence, the dairy free cream cheese frosting is a great addition.
4. What Other Add-Ins Can I Use?
You can customize this bread by adding chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, or shredded coconut for additional texture and flavor.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Recipe for Every Baker
Carrot Cake Banana Bread is the perfect balance of comforting flavors and nutritious ingredients. It combines the best aspects of banana bread and carrot cake while keeping it dairy free and naturally sweetened. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or a guilt free dessert, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed with wholesome ingredients that support a healthier lifestyle. Plus, it’s adaptable you can tweak it to fit your dietary preferences without sacrificing taste or texture.
So, the next time you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter, give this recipe a try! Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.