Carrot Cake Banana Bread
If you’ve ever found yourself torn between a slice of moist banana bread and a piece of spiced carrot cake, this Carrot Cake Banana Bread recipe is your delicious solution. This easy, wholesome, and naturally sweetened quick bread combines the cozy flavors of carrot cake with the soft texture of banana bread. Whether you're looking for a healthy breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert, this recipe will become your new go-to.
This vegan-friendly banana carrot bread is naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and maple syrup, making it a healthier twist on traditional recipes. It’s oil-based for a moist crumb, dairy-free, and can be made nut-free or with add-ins like walnuts and raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Tips for the Best Results
Use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness.
Squeeze out excess moisture from the shredded carrots for a better texture.
Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze slices for later!
This banana bread with carrots is perfect for brunches, lunchboxes, or even as a healthier birthday cake alternative. The combo of warm spices (optional to add cinnamon or nutmeg), sweet bananas, and tender carrots makes every bite comforting and satisfying.
Looking for more creative banana bread ideas? Try adding coconut flakes, using whole wheat flour, or drizzling the loaf with a simple glaze for a more dessert-like finish.
Ingredients (with benefits):
1 cup mashed bananas – Naturally sweet and rich in potassium, mashed bananas create moisture and structure in the bread.
½ cup oil – Provides richness and keeps the loaf tender. Use avocado, coconut, or vegetable oil.
1/3 cup maple syrup – A natural sweetener with a deep caramel flavor; a great alternative to refined sugar.
¼ cup non-dairy milk – Helps bind and moisten the batter. Almond, soy, or oat milk all work well.
1 teaspoon vanilla paste – Adds rich, aromatic vanilla flavor. You can substitute with vanilla extract if needed.
1 teaspoon baking powder – A leavening agent that helps the loaf rise and stay fluffy.
½ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the bananas to activate rising and contributes to a soft crumb.
1½ cups all-purpose flour – The base of the bread, providing structure. You can also use a mix of whole wheat for added fiber.
I topped mine with a store-bought vanilla frosting for convenience, but any frosting will work—though I highly recommend a classic cream cheese frosting for that perfect carrot cake flavor.
Unlike many overly sweet baked goods, this carrot banana bread is made with whole ingredients that nourish your body while satisfying your sweet tooth. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
Bananas
Oil
Maple syrup
Nondairy milk
Vanilla paste (or vanilla extract)
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Ginger
All-purpose flour
Carrots
Walnuts
Raisins
Frosting
Recipe:
1 cup mashed bananas (about 2)
½ cup oil
1/3 cup maple syrup
¼ cup nondairy milk
1 teaspoon vanilla paste
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 - 1 cup shredding carrots
1/3 cup walnuts (optional)
1/3 cup raisins (optional)
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, oil, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla paste until smooth.
Sprinkle in the spices, baking powder and baking soda, then mix in the flour until just combined.
Gently fold in the shredded carrots, walnuts, and raisins if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Be sure to store the bread in the refrigerator or freezer. The bread should last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can also store these in the freezer. It should last for up to a month.
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If you ever have any questions about a recipe or substitutions, don’t hesitate to reach out!