When you can’t decide between moist banana bread and spiced carrot cake, why not have both? Carrot Cake Banana Bread blends the best of these two beloved bakes into one irresistible loaf. It’s sweetened naturally with ripe bananas, packed with freshly grated carrots, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for warmth. Add in crunchy walnuts or a swirl of cream cheese glaze, and you’ve got a wholesome yet indulgent treat perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.
This recipe celebrates comfort baking at its finest, simple ingredients, rich flavor, and just enough sweetness to feel like a treat without being over the top.
Why Carrot Cake Meets Banana Bread?
Both carrot cake and banana bread share similar qualities: they’re moist, comforting, and easy to make. Combining them creates a loaf that’s:
- Ultra-moist: Bananas add natural sweetness, while carrots lock in moisture.
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with potassium from bananas and beta-carotene from carrots.
- Perfectly spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of ginger deliver cozy flavor.
- Versatile: Works as a breakfast loaf, snack, or even a healthier dessert.
This recipe is a great way to use up overripe bananas and stray carrots in the fridge while baking something that feels special.
Key Ingredients
For the Bread
- Ripe bananas – Natural sweetness and binding.
- Fresh carrots – Grated finely for moisture and texture.
- Flour – All-purpose, or swap half for whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
- Eggs – Provide structure (can use flax eggs for vegan option).
- Oil or butter – Coconut oil or olive oil for a healthier fat.
- Sugar – Brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup for flavor depth.
- Warm spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Nuts or raisins (optional) – Walnuts, pecans, or golden raisins for texture.
Optional Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (or powdered coconut sugar)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (to thin if needed)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Ingredients (for 1 loaf)
- 1 ½ cups flour (all-purpose or half whole wheat)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ginger
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
- 2 large eggs (or flax eggs)
- ½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup raisins (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
- Whisk in eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
Step 4: Combine
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
- Fold in grated carrots, and nuts/raisins if using.
Step 5: Bake
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Add Optional Glaze
- Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle over cooled loaf for a carrot-cake-style finish.
Tips for Success
- Use ripe bananas – The spottier, the better for sweetness and moisture.
- Grate carrots finely – Prevents large chunks and ensures an even texture.
- Don’t overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the bread tender.
- Customize the mix-ins – Nuts, coconut flakes, or even chocolate chips work beautifully.
- Cool completely before glazing – Prevents the cream cheese topping from melting.
Variations to Try
- Vegan Version: Use flax eggs and plant-based cream cheese for the glaze.
- Gluten-Free: Replace flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Extra Protein: Swap part of the flour with almond flour.
- Mini Loaves or Muffins: Bake in smaller pans or muffin tins for portion control.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the comfort of banana bread with the flavor of carrot cake.
- Uses wholesome ingredients without sacrificing taste.
- Easy, one-bowl preparation.
- Perfect for meal prep, snacking, or gifting.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a smear of cream cheese or almond butter.
- Slice and toast lightly for a cozy breakfast.
- Pair with coffee or chai tea for the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up.
- Wrap slices individually for a quick grab-and-go snack.
Conclusion
Carrot Cake Banana Bread is proof that sometimes the best recipes are mashups of classics we already love. Moist, spiced, and naturally sweetened, this loaf delivers the richness of carrot cake with the simplicity of banana bread. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with cream cheese glaze, it’s a wholesome treat you’ll return to again and again.
So, grab those ripe bananas and fresh carrots, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a loaf that will fill your kitchen with warmth and your heart with comfort.
Print
Carrot Cake Banana Bread: A Cozy Twist on Two Classics
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Carrot Cake Banana Bread blends moist banana bread with the warm spices and texture of carrot cake. Packed with ripe bananas, grated carrots, and cozy spices, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
1 ½ cups flour (all-purpose or half whole wheat)
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ginger
Wet Ingredients:
2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
2 large eggs (or flax eggs)
½ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
¼ cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
Optional Mix-ins:
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup raisins
Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:
4 oz cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1–2 tbsp milk (to thin)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Whisk in eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until well combined.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture and stir gently until combined.
5. Fold in grated carrots, and nuts/raisins if using.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Optional: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled loaf.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
- Grate carrots finely for best texture.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender.
- Let bread cool before glazing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 235
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg