By Elina 
If you love the moist texture and warm spices of carrot cake but also crave the sweet, comforting taste of banana bread, this Carrot Cake Banana Bread is the ultimate treat for you! This delicious fusion combines the best of both worlds, creating a flavorful, soft, and perfectly spiced loaf topped with rich cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a cozy homemade treat, this recipe will become a new favorite in your kitchen.
In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, baking tips, and variations to help you create the most delicious Carrot Cake Banana Bread. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist and Flavorful – The bananas and finely grated carrots add natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring a soft and tender loaf.
Easy to Make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can enjoy this delicious treat.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this bread pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Customizable – You can add your favorite mix-ins, such as raisins, shredded coconut, or even a handful of chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Ingredients for Carrot Cake Banana Bread
Before we get into the baking process, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Bread:
✔️ 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
✔️ 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
✔️ 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
✔️ 1/4 teaspoon salt
✔️ 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
✔️ 2 large eggs (room temperature)
✔️ 1/4 cup vegetable oil
✔️ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
✔️ 1 cup granulated sugar
✔️ 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
✔️ 1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (packed)
✔️ 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
✔️ 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
✔️ 4 oz butter (softened)
✔️ 2 cups powdered sugar
✔️ 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Tools
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Grease two 9″ x 4″ loaf pans with butter or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line them with parchment paper for easier removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
Flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Granulated sugar
Mashed bananas
Make sure everything is well incorporated before moving on to the next step.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
Step 5: Fold in Carrots and Nuts
Now, fold in the finely grated carrots and chopped walnuts or pecans. This will add both flavor and texture to your banana bread.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
1️⃣ Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans.
2️⃣ Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3️⃣ Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Making the Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 7: Prepare the Frosting
1️⃣ In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
2️⃣ Gradually add in the powdered sugar while mixing until you achieve a smooth consistency.
Step 8: Frost the Bread
1️⃣ Once your banana bread has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting generously over the top.
2️⃣ Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an extra crunch and decorative touch.
Baking Tips & Variations
✔️ Make it Healthier – Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use coconut sugar or honey instead of granulated sugar. You can also replace vegetable oil with applesauce for a lower-fat option.
✔️ Add Some Extras – Try adding raisins, shredded coconut, or even a handful of chocolate chips for a fun twist.
✔️ Turn it into Muffins – Pour the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F for 18-22 minutes for easy grab-and-go treats!
✔️ Make it Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter substitutes for the frosting or skip it altogether for a simple, wholesome loaf.
✔️ Gluten-Free Option – Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
How to Store Carrot Cake Banana Bread
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store them:
At Room Temperature:
If unfrosted, keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
In the Refrigerator:
If frosted, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
In the Freezer:
Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
To enjoy, let the slices thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Final Thoughts
This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is the perfect combination of two beloved classics. The natural sweetness of bananas, the warmth of cinnamon, and the moist texture from freshly grated carrots make this an irresistible treat. Topped with velvety cream cheese frosting, every bite is pure heaven!
Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or a dessert, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your home. Try it out and let me know in the comments below how it turned out for you!
Happy Baking! 🍌🥕🎂