Delicious Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Alright, fellow nutrition-seekers! Let’s chat about a total dinnertime nutrition win: Carrot Cake Banana Bread. This isn’t just a treat; it’s a sanity-saving way to sneak in veggies and fruit while pleasing even the pickiest eaters! Trust me; I’ve been there, wrestling with broccoli and battling the “green food” aversion.

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread journey started last spring. My youngest was in a major “I only eat beige” phase, and I was desperate for a nutrition hack. I wanted to make something yummy and healthy that I knew he would enjoy.

Then I remembered my mom’s carrot cake banana bread recipe I had been using for years. I started to add some of my favorite ingredients to boost nutrition and health benefits.

What surprised me most was how easily everyone gobbled it up. Now, this Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a staple in our house – breakfast, snack, or even a sneaky dessert. If you are a busy mom looking for something similar, this is for you!

I’m Juliette, from Busy Mom Simple Nutrition, and I’m so glad you’re here. Let’s bring some simple nutrition into your kitchen, together! 💕

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you need for this yummy Carrot Cake Banana Bread. Trust me, this ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity!

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Adds structure. For a healthier twist, try whole wheat flour.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: For that classic carrot cake taste.
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness. I sometimes swap this with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, still delicious in my carrot cake banana bread recipe.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread. You can reduce this slightly and add a touch of honey.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas): Adds moisture and sweetness.
• 1 cup grated carrots: The star of the show! Provides vitamins and a lovely texture to this Carrot Cake Banana Bread.
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunch. Omit for nut-free needs.
• Optional Cream Cheese Frosting: For an extra special treat, my family loves cream cheese frosting on top of this carrot cake banana bread loaf.

You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. I always grab extra bananas when they’re on sale and freeze them for future baking adventures. This Carrot Cake Banana Bread proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive!

Here’s a Carrot Cake Banana Bread nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: I always add a tablespoon of flaxseed meal to the batter. It’s virtually undetectable, but it boosts the fiber and omega-3 content. My family gets extra nutrition when I add the flaxseed meal!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to dive into making this easy carrot cake banana bread? Don’t worry, it’s easier than folding laundry (and way more rewarding!).

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures your Carrot Cake Banana Bread comes out beautifully.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of the spices for a flavorful Carrot Cake Banana Bread.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I use my stand mixer, but a hand mixer works, too.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. In another bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the mashed bananas and grated carrots to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can result in a tough bread.
7. Fold in the chopped nuts (if using).
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your Carrot Cake Banana Bread should smell nourishing by now!
10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. If desired, frost with cream cheese frosting.

In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Carrot Cake Banana Bread usually takes about 15 minutes to prep and an hour to bake. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Carrot Cake Banana Bread – learn from my experience! I used to overmix the batter, resulting in a dense loaf. Now, I mix until just combined.

While your Carrot Cake Banana Bread is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!

How We Love to Eat This!

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is so versatile. Here are a few ways we love to enjoy it.

The kids devour this nutritious Carrot Cake Banana Bread when I serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of berries. It’s a balanced breakfast that keeps them full until lunchtime. Greek yogurt adds a protein boost and the berries provide antioxidants.

For a quick and easy snack, I’ll slice a piece of Carrot Cake Banana Bread and spread it with almond butter. Healthy fats and protein make it a filling and satisfying snack.

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! Serve it alongside a simple salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

For a special treat, we love this healthy carrot cake banana bread with a light cream cheese frosting. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for birthdays or holidays.

Leftovers? Slice the bread and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months.

We love making muffins out of this batter, too! The baking time is shorter, about 20-25 minutes. I found out this carrot banana bread recipe can also be made into muffins for a quick snack!

When friends come over, everyone enjoys this Carrot Cake Banana Bread. I always get asked for the recipe!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get from fellow moms about this Carrot Cake Banana Bread.

Is this Carrot Cake Banana Bread really nutritious enough for growing kids?

Absolutely! It’s packed with fruits and vegetables and you can add whole wheat flour. This ensures they’re getting essential vitamins and minerals.

What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Carrot Cake Banana Bread?

Start by offering a small piece. You can also add a small amount of chocolate chips to make it more appealing. The key is to be patient and keep offering it.

Can I meal prep this Carrot Cake Banana Bread for busy weeks ahead?

Definitely! This bread freezes beautifully. Slice it and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Can I make this Carrot Cake Banana Bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this Carrot Cake Banana Bread?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup. You can also add a tablespoon or two of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.

Can I add other fruits or vegetables to this Carrot Cake Banana Bread?

Of course! Shredded zucchini, applesauce, or even mashed sweet potatoes would be delicious additions.

Can I make this Carrot Cake Banana Bread vegan?

Yes, substitute the eggs with flax eggs. Use a plant-based butter substitute.

Final Thoughts:

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a perfect way to bring simple nutrition to your family. I hope you make it your own!

My Carrot Cake Banana Bread Nutrition Hacks:

1. Add flaxseed meal: It’s a simple way to boost the fiber and omega-3 content.
2. Use whole wheat flour: For a healthier twist and added fiber.
3. Reduce the sugar: Without compromising the taste.

Here are some family-tested healthy Carrot Cake Banana Bread variations:

• Chocolate Chip Carrot Cake Banana Bread: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
• Nut-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread: Omit the nuts.
• Cream Cheese Frosted Carrot Cake Banana Bread: For an extra special treat.

My youngest loves the chocolate chip version. My oldest prefers the classic recipe with nuts. My husband enjoys it with cream cheese frosting!

I encourage you to make this recipe your own and adapt it to your family’s preferences. Remember, simple nutrition is about finding what works best for you.

I hope this Carrot Cake Banana Bread recipe brings you as much joy and nutrition as it has for my family. Happy baking!

I hope you found this recipe helpful, feel free to check out these other recipes you may enjoy! Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies or Protein Banana Bread. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out my recipe for Candy Corn Poke Cake!

Here is another Carrot Cake Banana Bread – Chocolate Covered Katie recipe for you!

Here is a link to a Healthier Carrot Cake Banana Bread | Ambitious Kitchen!

Here is another carrot banana bread for you to enjoy Carrot Banana Bread | Buttermilk by Sam!

Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread combines the best of both worlds! Moist banana bread gets a delicious upgrade with the addition of classic carrot cake spices and textures.

• Author: Juliette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the mashed bananas, shredded carrots, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in the chopped nuts, if using.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an extra touch, top the cooled bread with a cream cheese frosting.