Spiced Carrot Walnut Banana Bread: A Cozy Fall Delight

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Spiced Carrot Walnut Banana Bread wafting through the kitchen on a crisp fall morning. This delightful recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the earthy flavors of grated carrots and the warm, comforting notes of seasonal spices. It’s a perfect choice for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert, offering a wholesome yet indulgent treat for any time of day.

If you’re a fan of banana recipes or looking for easy baking recipes to impress your family and friends, this bread checks all the boxes. The addition of crunchy walnuts provides a satisfying texture, while the spices evoke the cozy essence of fall. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is simple to follow and yields a moist, flavorful loaf every time.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step to create this delicious bread, share tips for perfect results, and explore ways to make it your own. Let’s dive into the world of fall baking recipes and whip up a loaf that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: American
• Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Servings: 10 slices

What You’ll Need

Creating the perfect Spiced Carrot Walnut Banana Bread requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a vital role in the final result. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this delightful loaf and why each component matters:

• Bananas: Overripe bananas are key for natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread soft and tender.
• Carrots: Freshly grated carrots add subtle sweetness, a pop of color, and extra moisture to keep the loaf from drying out.
• Walnuts: Chopped walnuts bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, balancing the softness of the bread.
• Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves infuses the bread with warm, aromatic notes perfect for fall baking recipes.
• Flour and Leavening Agents: These form the structure of the bread, ensuring it rises beautifully while maintaining a tender crumb.
• Sweeteners and Fats: A mix of sugar and oil or butter enhances flavor and keeps the loaf moist for days.

Gather these vibrant ingredients for a cozy fall bake!

INGREDIENTS

• – 2 cups all-purpose flour
• – 1 tsp baking soda
• – 1/2 tsp baking powder
• – 1/2 tsp salt
• – 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• – 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• – 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• – 2 large eggs
• – 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• – 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• – 1 tsp vanilla extract
• – 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
• – 1 cup grated carrots
• – 3/4 cup chopped walnuts

PREPARATION

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the mashed bananas and grated carrots, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the wet mixture.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
6. Fold in the chopped walnuts with a spatula, ensuring an even spread throughout the batter.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with foil after 40 minutes.
9. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Per serving (1 slice):

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 5g

Why Use Overripe Bananas?

Overripe bananas are a baker’s best friend when it comes to recipes like Spiced Carrot Walnut Banana Bread. Their high sugar content and soft texture blend seamlessly into the batter, adding natural sweetness and moisture that keeps the loaf tender for days. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe enough, place them in a paper bag for a day or two to speed up the process.

Can I Make This Into Muffins?

Absolutely! This recipe adapts beautifully into healthy muffins or protein muffins with just a few tweaks. Simply divide the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes. You’ll get about 12 standard-sized muffins, perfect for grab-and-go breakfast sweets.

How to Store for Freshness

To keep your dessert bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze individual slices by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Customizing Your Loaf

One of the joys of baking bread recipes sweet like this is the ability to customize. Swap walnuts for pecans, add a handful of raisins, or drizzle the cooled loaf with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. For a healthier twist, reduce the sugar and incorporate a scoop of protein powder for protein muffins.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

This loaf isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients. Bananas offer potassium and energy-boosting carbs, while carrots provide a dose of vitamin A for eye health. Walnuts contribute heart-healthy fats, making this a balanced option among tasty baking treats.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

Yes, you can easily adapt this Spiced Carrot Walnut Banana Bread to be gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure, and check that all other ingredients, like baking powder, are certified gluten-free. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!

Can I Use a Different Nut?

Of course! While walnuts add a classic crunch, you can swap them for pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts in this fall baking recipes favorite. Toast the nuts lightly before adding them to enhance their flavor. If you’re nut-free, try sunflower seeds for a similar texture.

How Do I Prevent the Bread from Being Too Dense?

A dense loaf often results from overmixing the batter. When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated to avoid developing too much gluten. Additionally, ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh, as expired leavening agents can prevent proper rising in easy baking recipes.

Enjoy the warm flavors of fall with this delightful banana bread