Carrot Cake Banana Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a delightful twist combining the best of both classic treats. Moist bananas and sweet shredded carrots blend with warm spices, topped with a creamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting for an irresistible snack or dessert.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 3-4 medium bananas)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup butter (for frosting)
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon (for frosting)
• 1/2 cup crushed pecans (optional, for topping)
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×4 inch loaf pans to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
3. Step 3: Add the eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients and stir until just incorporated.
5. Step 5: Fold in the shredded carrots, then pour in the mashed bananas and gently mix until everything is combined.
6. Step 6: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or cake tester; it should come out clean.
7. Step 7: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pans before removing.
8. Step 8: For the frosting, beat together the cream cheese and 1/2 cup butter until smooth.
9. Step 9: Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
10. Step 10: Spread the cream cheese frosting over the cooled breads. If desired, sprinkle with crushed pecans and additional shredded carrots.
11. Step 11: Slice, serve, and enjoy your flavorful carrot cake banana bread!

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the batter.
• Walnuts can be used instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter frosting, reduce the cream cheese or powdered sugar slightly.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage

Store leftover carrot cake banana bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting requires refrigeration. Before serving, you can bring slices to room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-baked feel.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze this carrot cake banana bread?

Yes, you can freeze the bread without frosting wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.

Can I omit the cream cheese frosting?

Absolutely. The bread is delicious on its own or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer a lighter option.

Carrot Cake Banana Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 97 reviews

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread combines the moistness of banana bread with the warm spices and texture of carrot cake, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfectly spiced and studded with shredded carrots, this delightful loaf is ideal for breakfast, dessert, or snack time.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 2 loaves (8 slices per loaf, approx. 16 slices total) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Banana Bread

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 3–4 medium bananas)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground allspice
• 1 cup shredded carrots

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1/2 cup butter
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup crushed pecans
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease two 8×4 inch loaf pans thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture and beat until fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice into the wet ingredients to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Stir the batter gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread light in texture.
6. Add Carrots: Fold in the shredded carrots evenly throughout the batter.
7. Add Mashed Bananas: Pour in the mashed bananas and mix until everything is just combined, making sure the bananas are evenly dispersed.
8. Bake the Bread: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans and bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Loaves: Allow the banana bread loaves to cool completely in their pans on a wire rack before frosting.
10. Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and well combined.
11. Add Flavorings and Sugar: Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture and beat until smooth and creamy.
12. Frost the Bread: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled banana bread loaves.
13. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the crushed pecans and shredded carrots over the frosted loaves for a decorative and tasty finish.
14. Serve and Store: Slice and enjoy your carrot cake banana bread. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Make sure the bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined to keep the bread tender.
• If desired, substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Carrot Cake Banana Bread, banana bread recipe, carrot cake loaf, cream cheese frosting, moist banana bread, spiced banana bread