Carrot Banana Bread

Carrot Banana Bread is a wonderfully moist and flavorful quick bread that combines two classics: sweet, ripe bananas and tender, naturally sweet carrots. This loaf is soft, slightly spiced, and packed with natural sweetness, making it a perfect breakfast, snack, or dessert. The carrots add moisture, subtle earthiness, and a boost of nutrition, while the bananas provide natural sweetness and a tender crumb.

This bread is ideal for using overripe bananas and leftover carrots, turning simple ingredients into a comforting, wholesome treat. Its warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg complement the flavors beautifully, creating a loaf that smells as good as it tastes. Whether enjoyed plain, toasted with butter, or topped with a drizzle of cream cheese glaze, Carrot Banana Bread is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly moist and flavorful while being simple to make. The combination of carrots and bananas creates a naturally sweet, tender loaf that feels indulgent without being overly rich. It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast, a healthy snack, or even as a dessert. Plus, it’s forgiving and easy to customize with nuts, spices, or chocolate chips.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Naturally moist and flavorful
• Packed with vegetables and fruit
• Kid-friendly and wholesome
• Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert
• Makes great leftovers and freezes well

Recipe Overview

• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–60 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices
• Calories (Approx.): 240–270 kcal per slice

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup finely grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots, lightly squeezed)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl
3. Combine wet ingredients in another bowl
4. Fold wet and dry ingredients together
5. Add optional nuts or chocolate chips
6. Pour batter into loaf pan and bake

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, grated carrots, brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Batter

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients

Fold in nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips if desired.

Step 6: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool

Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Carrot Banana Bread

• Serve warm with butter or cream cheese
• Slice and enjoy with coffee or tea
• Toast slices lightly for breakfast
• Add a drizzle of glaze or sprinkle of powdered sugar
• Serve as a snack or dessert

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness
• Squeeze excess moisture from grated carrots
• Avoid overmixing to keep bread tender
• Tent with foil if top browns too quickly
• Cool completely for clean slicing

Variations (Detailed)

1. Carrot Banana Nut Bread

Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.

2. Chocolate Chip Carrot Banana Bread

Stir in ½ cup chocolate chips for sweetness.

3. Spiced Carrot Banana Bread

Add ¼ tsp ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.

4. Gluten-Free Version

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

5. Vegan Version

Use flax eggs and plant-based milk instead of eggs and butter.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigeration

• Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days

Freezing

• Wrap loaf or slices tightly
• Freeze for up to 3 months

Reheating

• Thaw overnight at room temperature or warm slices in microwave/toaster

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Box grater (for carrots)
• Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

Carrot Banana Bread is a soft, moist, and flavorful loaf that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the gentle earthiness of carrots. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and versatile. With optional nuts, chocolate, or spices, it can be customized to suit any taste. Once baked, it fills your kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma that’s impossible to resist.