Carrot Cake Banana Bread: Moist, Flavorful & Perfect for All Seasons

Why choose between carrot cake and banana bread when you can have both in one delicious bite? Introducing Carrot Cake Banana Bread — a moist, tender, spiced quick bread that blends the best of both worlds. It’s packed with ripe bananas, shredded carrots, warm spices, and optional goodies like walnuts, raisins, or coconut. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a snack, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.

Perfect for Easter, fall baking, or using up overripe bananas and leftover carrots, this loaf is easy to make and full of cozy flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Carrot Cake Banana Bread

🥕 Combines the best of banana bread and carrot cake
🍌 Naturally sweet with overripe bananas and carrots
🧁 Moist, fluffy texture without being too heavy
🌿 Simple to make, one bowl, no mixer needed
🥥 Totally customizable: add nuts, coconut, raisins, or a cream cheese glaze
🥄 Perfect for breakfast, dessert, meal prep, or gifting

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Ingredients for Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Here’s everything you need to make this loaf:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ginger (optional for extra warmth)

Wet Ingredients:

• 2–3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup coconut oil (or melted butter)
• ½ cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for refined sugar-free)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins:

• 1 cup finely grated carrots
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ¼ cup raisins, shredded coconut, or crushed pineapple (optional)

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Optional Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp milk or maple syrup
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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How to Make Carrot Cake Banana Bread

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

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

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Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl:

1. Mash the bananas
2. Whisk in eggs, coconut oil, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth

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Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

• Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices
• Mix until just combined — do not overmix!

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Step 4: Fold in Carrots and Add-ins

• Gently fold in grated carrots and any mix-ins (nuts, raisins, coconut, etc.)

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Step 5: Bake

• Pour batter into prepared loaf pan
• Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean
• Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack

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Step 6 (Optional): Add Cream Cheese Glaze

• Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth
• Drizzle over cooled bread or serve on the side

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Tips for the Best Carrot Cake Banana Bread

✔️ Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture
✔️ Grate carrots finely so they blend into the batter and bake evenly
✔️ Avoid overmixing the batter — mix until just combined
✔️ Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best texture
✔️ Customize with your favorite add-ins — or keep it simple!

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Variations & Substitutions

🍁 Refined sugar-free: Use maple syrup or coconut sugar
🌾 Whole wheat version: Swap half the flour for whole wheat
🌱 Vegan: Use flax eggs + dairy-free milk/cream cheese
🍍 Tropical twist: Add ¼ cup crushed pineapple and coconut
🍫 Decadent: Add dark chocolate chips and toasted pecans

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Storage & Freezing

🧊 Storage:

• Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week

❄️ Freezing:

• Freeze whole or sliced, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months
• Thaw at room temp or microwave individual slices for 20–30 seconds

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What to Serve with Carrot Cake Banana Bread

☕ A hot cup of coffee or chai tea
🧈 A smear of butter or cream cheese
🍓 Fresh berries or fruit compote
🥣 Greek yogurt with honey
🍯 A drizzle of maple syrup or nut butter

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Nutrition Info (Per Slice, Approximate)

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 10g
• Carbs: 30g
• Sugar: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 3g

Will vary based on sweeteners and add-ins used.

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FAQs About Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Can I make muffins with this recipe?

Yes! Pour batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Almond flour will not work the same without adjustments.

What kind of carrots should I use?

Use finely grated fresh carrots — pre-shredded bagged ones are often too dry and thick.

Why is my bread too wet?

Make sure to measure bananas and carrots properly and don’t add too much pineapple or oil.

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Moist and fluffy with both banana and carrot
✅ Spiced and sweet without being overly sugary
✅ Versatile — great for breakfast, snack, or dessert
✅ Easy to make in one bowl
✅ Freezes well and stays fresh for days

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Final Thoughts: A Comforting Classic with a Twist

Carrot Cake Banana Bread is one of those magical hybrid recipes that brings together the best of two worlds. It’s sweet, spiced, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying — perfect with your morning coffee, an after-school snack, or even topped with frosting for a dessert-style loaf.

Whether you’re baking for a family brunch, gifting to friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this bread is a reliable go-to that tastes like home with every bite.

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