Give it up, my sweet friend! You cannot resist the temptation of this Carrot Cake Banana Bread Loaf. I mean, come to Mama! If you love creative banana bread twists, you must try my Pineapple Upside-Down Banana Cake Bread next.
This is not a drill. This is the ultimate mashup of two of the greatest baked goods to ever exist. We’re talking the cozy, banana-packed hug of your favorite breakfast bread, having a wild party with the spicy, carrot-filled joy of the best loaf cake.
It’s moist. It’s spiced. It’s packed with texture. And it will make your entire kitchen smell like pure happiness. Get ready to fall in love.
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Quick Bread / Loaf Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 1 glorious loaf (about 10 slices)
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
Okay, real talk. I had three bananas on my counter that were basically begging for mercy. They were so ripe, they were practically liquid.
At the same time, I was dreaming of carrot cake. But I didn’t want to make a whole layer cake. The solution hit me like a bolt of baking lightning.
Why not smash them together? The result was pure magic. My family ate half the loaf before it even cooled. Now, it’s my go-t0 recipe for using up those spotty bananas. It’s a total game-changer.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
This recipe is all about pantry staples with a couple of fun twists. You probably have most of this already!
The key players are those super ripe bananas and a fresh carrot. The rest is just spice cabinet magic and basic baking goods. Let’s dive in.
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Grab your favorite mixing bowl and a box grater. Here’s everything you’ll need for this superstar loaf.
Carrot Cake Banana Bread Loaf Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Carrot Cake Banana Bread Loaf Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- 3 very ripe, medium bananas (about 1 ½ cups mashed)
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups finely grated carrot (from about 2 medium carrots)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but so good!)
- ½ cup raisins or shredded coconut (optional)
Bringing This Recipe to Life (Step-by-Step)
This is the fun part! Don’t overthink it. Quick breads are meant to be easy and forgiving. Let’s do this.
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan really well, or line it with parchment paper. This is a non-negotiable step for easy removal later!
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set this spicy, fragrant mixture aside.
- In a large bowl, mash those ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are totally fine! They add character.
- To the bananas, add the brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Whisk it all together until it’s completely combined and looks creamy.
- Now, gently fold the dry flour mixture into the wet banana mixture. Use a spatula and mix just until you no longer see dry flour. Do not overmix! This keeps the loaf tender.
- Fold in the grated carrot, and your nuts or raisins if you’re using them. The batter will be thick and gorgeous.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with your spatula. For a pretty finish, sprinkle a few extra nuts on top.
- Bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the very center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- This is the hardest part: let the loaf cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. I know, the smell is torture. But it’s worth the wait!
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, get creative! Here are a few of my favorite twists. For another fantastic recipe that combines carrots and warm spices, check out my Spiced Carrot Walnut Banana Bread.
Add a handful of crushed pineapple (well-drained) to the batter. It adds incredible moisture and a tropical hint.
Swap the walnuts for pecans, or use a mix of both. You could even throw in some chocolate chips if you’re feeling wild.
For a dairy-free or vegan option, use a flax egg and your favorite plant-based milk if the batter needs a tiny splash. It works like a charm!
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
To keep it fresh, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it! Wrap the whole loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep happily in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To reheat, just thaw at room temperature. For a warm, just-baked feel, pop a slice in the toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. Perfection!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Serving Size: 1 slice (of 10)
- Calories: ~280
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 4g
(Note: This is an estimate. Values will vary based on specific ingredients and optional add-ins.)
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! You can swap up to half of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat. The loaf will be a bit denser and nuttier, but still delicious.
My bananas aren’t very ripe. What can I do?
No worries! Place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, until the skins are black. Let them cool, and you’ve got perfect, sweet, mashable bananas!
Do I have to add the nuts?
Not at all! Leave them out if you have an allergy or just don’t like them. The loaf is still amazing with just the carrot and spices. It’s all about what you love.
And there you have it! Your new favorite recipe for using up those ripe bananas. This loaf is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up with tea, or a sneaky midnight snack. If you’re craving more carrot cake flavor in a different form, my classic Oatmeal Carrot Cake is always a hit.
It’s the kind of bake that makes everyone ask for the recipe. The mix of banana sweetness and warm spice is just unbeatable. I am so excited for you to try it.
I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
