Okay, here we go! Let’s chat about one of my favorite comfort food mashups: Carrot Cake Banana Bread. It’s like a warm hug in loaf form, perfect for those days when you crave something a little sweet but also want to sneak in some veggies. My family goes absolutely bonkers for this recipe, and I’m so excited to share my version with you. It’s the perfect way to create a family comfort that checks all the boxes.

I remember the first time I tried making Carrot Cake Banana Bread – my youngest was going through a picky eating phase. I was desperately trying to find ways to get her to eat more fruits and vegetables without a battle! This loaf ended up being a total game-changer.

She loved the sweetness of the banana and the spice from the carrot cake elements, and I loved that she was getting a little extra goodness in her diet. It’s been a family staple ever since, and I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years to make it even easier and more delicious. Creating a comfort food that my kids loved felt like a big win.

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread has become my go-to bake when I need to show up with a treat. It always sparks a conversation about what reminds us of home and who baked for us growing up.

If you’re a busy mom looking for simple comfort food solutions, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into how to make this sanity-saving treat together!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Ingredients for making carrot cake banana bread

2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our loaf, giving it structure. No worries if you’re gluten-free! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for extra comfort in your Carrot Cake Banana Bread.
1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the loaf rise and become light and fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, cozy spice we associate with carrot cake.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A little extra warmth and depth of flavor.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Optional, but I love the subtle spice it adds.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the loaf brown beautifully. You can find this at your regular grocery store.
1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor. This Carrot Cake Banana Bread proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive – these are pantry staples!
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf moist and tender.
2 large eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add richness. My family gets extra comfort when I add flax eggs made with flax meal and water.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds a touch of sweetness.
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas): The star of the show! Make sure they’re nice and spotty for the best flavor. Here’s a Carrot Cake Banana Bread comfort hack: freeze overripe bananas and thaw when ready to bake!
1 cup grated carrots: Adds moisture, sweetness, and of course, that signature carrot cake flavor. I buy pre-shredded carrots to save time – a sanity saver!
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a little crunch and nutty flavor. We are a nut-free household so I skip this and it is delicious!

Trust me, this Carrot Cake Banana Bread ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! With simple ingredients this easy carrot banana bread comes together so quickly.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This will prevent the loaf from sticking and make it easier to remove. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Carrot Cake Banana Bread usually takes about an hour to bake, so plan accordingly!
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. This is where I used to struggle with my Carrot Cake Banana Bread – learn from my experience!
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough loaf.
Fold in the mashed bananas, grated carrots, and nuts (if using). Gently stir until everything is evenly distributed throughout the batter. Don’t worry if your Carrot Cake Banana Bread batter looks a little lumpy – that’s perfectly normal!
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Your Carrot Cake Banana Bread should smell amazing by now. Take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’re impatient like me, you can slice into it while it’s still warm – just be careful!
Optional: For a real treat, top with a simple cream cheese frosting. I always love a dollop on top for extra richness.

This carrot banana bread recipe is a lifesaver! It’s like a warm hug in loaf form, perfect for those days when you crave something a little sweet but also want to sneak in some veggies. Follow these simple steps and you will have a truly special treat.

How We Love to Eat This!

My kids devour this comforting Carrot Cake Banana Bread when I serve it with a glass of milk or a side of fresh fruit. It makes a perfect breakfast, snack, or even dessert.

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I often bake a loaf on Sunday and then slice it up for easy grab-and-go snacks throughout the week.

For a special occasion, I love to make a simple cream cheese frosting and spread it on top. It adds a touch of elegance and makes it feel like a real treat. Check out some variations on this **carrot cake banana bread loaf** at Carrot Banana Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting – Pinecones and …

One time, I brought this Carrot Cake Banana Bread to a potluck, and it was gone in minutes! Everyone raved about how moist and delicious it was, and they couldn’t believe it was so easy to make.

Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for a quick and easy treat whenever you need a little comfort. I find that toasting the frozen slices brings back that oven-fresh warmth.

During the fall, I like to add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to the batter for an extra cozy flavor. In the summer, I sometimes add a handful of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The kids love this healthy carrot banana bread no matter what variation I make!

This comforting Carrot Cake Banana Bread reminds me of another family favorite, and if your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for these Carrot Cake Oatmeal Cookies.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

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

Absolutely! The combination of bananas, carrots, and flour provides a good source of fiber and carbohydrates to keep them feeling full and energized. Plus, you can add nuts or seeds for an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.

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

I get it! Picky eaters can be a challenge. Try calling it “Sunshine Bread” or “Bunny Bread” to make it more appealing. You can also add a smear of peanut butter or cream cheese to make it even more tempting.

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

Definitely! This loaf is perfect for meal prepping. Bake it on the weekend and slice it up for easy breakfasts, snacks, or lunchbox treats throughout the week.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegan by using flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and a plant-based milk alternative.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture or flavor of the loaf. You can also use a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey in place of some of the sugar.

Is it possible to add chocolate chips to this Carrot Cake Banana Bread?

Oh, yes! Chocolate chips are a delicious addition to this loaf. I recommend using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. If you’re looking for more chocolate recipes, take a look at this Double Chocolate Banana Bread.

How do I keep my Carrot Cake Banana Bread from drying out?

To prevent your loaf from drying out, make sure to store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also add a slice of bread to the container to help absorb any excess moisture.

Remember, for more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this Protein Banana Bread. There are so many simple options that make life easier and tastier!

Final Thoughts:

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread isn’t just a recipe – it’s a way to bring comfort, connection, and a little bit of joy to your family’s day. I hope this loaf becomes a cherished part of your family’s traditions, just like it has for mine.

My Carrot Cake Banana Bread Comfort Hacks:

Freeze ripe bananas: Never waste overripe bananas again!
Use pre-shredded carrots: A huge time-saver for busy moms.
Double the recipe: Bake one loaf and freeze the other for later.

Family-Tested Variations:

Chocolate Chip: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.
Coconut: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the batter.
Pumpkin Spice: Add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the batter.

My son loves the chocolate chip version, while my daughter prefers the classic with a simple cream cheese frosting. Healthier Carrot Cake Banana Bread with Cinnamon Cream … has some great frosting recipe ideas.

Remember, the best part about cooking is making it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a Carrot Cake Banana Bread that your family will love. If you need more inspiration, check out Carrot Cake Banana Bread – Chocolate Covered Katie

I hope this recipe brings you and your family as much joy as it has brought mine. Happy baking, fellow comfort seekers! This easy carrot banana bread is here for you anytime you need something warm and delicious.

Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Print Recipe

Enjoy the best of both worlds with this Carrot Cake Banana Bread! It’s moist, flavorful, and packed with all the spices you love in carrot cake, combined with the sweetness of ripe bananas.

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices)
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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 granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
1 cup grated carrots
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

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

Notes

For a cream cheese frosting, beat together 4 oz cream cheese, 1/4 cup softened butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Spread over cooled bread.