Description
Carrot cake banana bread merges two beloved classics into one irresistible treat. Moist, spiced quick bread studded with nuts and raisins promises a delightful slice of comfort you’ll savor with pure joy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups mashed bananas (about 3–4 medium bananas)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Dry Ingredients:
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
Wet Ingredients and Additional Components:
- ½ cup (113 grams) butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- ½ cup (113 grams) butter, softened
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
- ½ cup crushed pecans
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 350°F (175°C) and coating two 8×4-inch loaf pans with a light greasing to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, combine softened butter with granulated and brown sugars, whipping the mixture until it achieves a cloud-like, airy consistency.
- Introduce eggs and vanilla extract to the sugar blend, thoroughly incorporating them with vigorous mixing to create a homogeneous mixture.
- Gently sift the dry components – flour, baking soda, aromatic spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice), and salt – directly into the wet ingredients, stirring with a delicate touch to prevent overworking the batter.
- Carefully fold shredded carrots and mashed bananas into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Evenly distribute the prepared batter between the two greased loaf pans, creating smooth surface layers.
- Position the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring for a clean insertion when testing with a cake tester or toothpick.
- Remove from oven and allow the bread to cool completely, creating a stable base for frosting.
- For the cream cheese frosting, blend softened cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
- Integrate vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and powdered sugar into the cream cheese mixture, whipping until the frosting reaches a luxurious, spreadable consistency.
- Generously coat the cooled banana bread loaves with the prepared frosting, creating an even layer.
- Elevate the presentation by sprinkling crushed pecans and additional shredded carrots across the frosted surface for textural contrast and visual appeal.
Notes
- Moisture Magic: This unique bread combines the sweetness of bananas with the warm spices of carrot cake, creating an incredibly moist and flavorful treat.
- Spice Symphony: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice transforms ordinary banana bread into a spectacular autumn-inspired dessert.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: The bread stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or unexpected guests.
- Freezer-Friendly: Wrap individual slices or whole loaves tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring a delicious treat is always within reach.
- Nutritional Boost: Carrots and bananas add natural sweetness and extra nutrients, making this indulgent bread slightly more wholesome than traditional desserts.
- Decorative Delight: The cream cheese frosting and optional pecan topping elevate this bread from simple quick bread to a showstopping dessert that impresses at potlucks and brunches.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg