Oh my goodness, have you ever tried carrot banana bread? Trust me, it’s a delightful twist that combines the sweet, comforting flavors of ripe bananas with the earthy goodness of carrots. The result is a super moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert! I first stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy afternoon of baking, and it quickly became a family favorite. The vibrant color and scrumptious aroma wafting through the kitchen just can’t be beat! I think you’ll find this recipe as irresistible as I do, and it’s so easy to whip up too!

Ingredients for Carrot Banana Bread

2 ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They’ll add sweetness and moisture to your bread.
1 cup grated carrots: Freshly grated for that earthy flavor and delightful texture. You can use a box grater or food processor!
1/2 cup sugar: Just regular granulated sugar to sweeten things up.
1/2 cup brown sugar: This adds a lovely depth of flavor and a hint of caramel.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender. You can also use melted coconut oil for a different taste!
2 large eggs: These help bind everything together and give the bread structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla elevates the flavor beautifully.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your bread; make sure to spoon and level it for accuracy!
1 teaspoon baking soda: This is your leavening agent, helping the bread rise perfectly.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice that pairs so well with the carrots and bananas.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): For a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a smoother loaf!

How to Prepare Carrot Banana Bread

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven fired up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the bread rise evenly and gives it that perfect golden crust. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!

Prepare the Wet Ingredients

Now, grab a large bowl and mash those ripe bananas until they’re nice and smooth. The riper they are, the sweeter your bread will be! Next, add in the grated carrots, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and smooth—this is where all the flavors start to come together, and it smells heavenly!

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. It’s key to mix these dry ingredients well so that the baking soda is evenly distributed, ensuring your bread rises perfectly. No one likes a lumpy loaf!

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, here comes the fun part! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Gently mix them together until just combined—don’t worry if there are a few lumps! Over-mixing can lead to a tough texture, and we want our bread to be soft and moist.

Add Optional Walnuts

If you’re using walnuts, now’s the time to fold them in! Just gently stir them into the batter, and they’ll add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bananas and carrots. But if nuts aren’t your thing, feel free to skip this step!

Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready! Once baked, let it cool in the pan for a bit, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. You’ll want to savor that first warm slice, trust me!

Nutritional Information

Before I dive into the deliciousness, I want to remind you that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a rough estimate for a slice of this scrumptious carrot banana bread:

Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 3g

This bread is not only tasty but also provides a nice balance of nutrients to enjoy guilt-free!

Tips for Success

Use overripe bananas: The browner, the better! They’ll give your bread maximum sweetness and moisture.
Don’t over-mix: Mixing just until combined helps keep the bread tender and fluffy. A few lumps are okay!
Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your bread is ready!
Let it cool: Resist the urge to slice right away! Letting it cool in the pan for a bit helps it hold its shape.
Customize it: Feel free to swap in different nuts, spices, or even add some raisins for a fun twist!

Variations of Carrot Banana Bread

One of the best things about this carrot banana bread is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some fun variations to try:

Nutty Delight: Swap in pecans or almonds for a different crunch or even use a mix of your favorite nuts!
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and flavor—perfect for cozy mornings!
Fruity Twist: Toss in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a sweet surprise in every bite.
Chocolate Lovers: Mix in some chocolate chips for a decadent treat that pairs beautifully with the banana and carrot!
Coconut Flavor: Add shredded coconut for a tropical flair that will elevate your bread to a whole new level!

Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to find your favorite twist!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your delicious carrot banana bread fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it later, it freezes beautifully—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then pop it in a freezer bag. It’ll be good for up to two months! When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For a cozy treat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or pop them in the toaster for a delightful crispy edge. Enjoy every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to whip up—perfect for busy mornings!
Deliciously moist and flavorful; you won’t be able to resist!
A fantastic way to use up ripe bananas and carrots, reducing food waste!
Customizable with your favorite nuts or add-ins for endless variations!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They’ll work just fine!

What can I substitute for vegetable oil? You can use melted coconut oil or even applesauce for a healthier twist. Both will keep your bread moist!

How long does the bread last? If stored in an airtight container, it can last up to a week at room temperature. You can also freeze it for up to two months!

Can I make this gluten-free? Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and it should work beautifully.

What if my bread is too dense? This could be due to overmixing or too much flour. Make sure to gently mix until just combined for the best texture!

Carrot Banana Bread: 7 Reasons You’ll Crave This Delight

Author: CakesLouna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Category: Baking
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious carrot banana bread that combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the earthiness of carrots.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, mash the bananas.
Add grated carrots, sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined.
If using, fold in walnuts.
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let it cool before slicing.

Notes

This bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
It freezes well; wrap it tightly and store in the freezer.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the sugar amount.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 200
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: carrot banana bread

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