These Banana Carrot Cake Mini Loaves are a charming merger of traditional carrot cake and banana bread, elevated with a decadent cream cheese frosting. Each loaf is packed with the sweetness of ripe bananas and the earthy tones of fresh carrots, enhanced with a hint of nutmeg and cinnamon for a warm, inviting flavor. Topped with a rich, creamy frosting, these mini loaves are perfect for a refined snack, a delightful breakfast, or as an elegant dessert at any gathering.
Why You'll Love This:
If you enjoy the moist, dense texture of banana bread and the spiced, wholesome flavor of carrot cake, these mini loaves offer the best of both worlds. The addition of walnuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft cake, while the cream cheese frosting adds a layer of luxury that complements the spiced cake beautifully. These mini loaves are not only delicious but also perfectly portioned for individual enjoyment or sharing.
Perfect Occasion:
Banana Carrot Cake Mini Loaves with Cream Cheese Frosting are fantastic for brunches, tea parties, or as a sweet treat in children's lunchboxes. They make excellent gifts during holidays or can serve as a thoughtful gesture to brighten someone's day. Whether served at a casual gathering or as part of a festive celebration, these mini loaves are sure to impress.
Decoration Tips:
To enhance their appeal, top each mini loaf with a generous swirl of cream cheese frosting and sprinkle with chopped walnuts or a dash of cinnamon. For a festive touch, consider decorating with edible flowers or carrot ribbons for special occasions. The presentation can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, making these loaves versatile for any event.
Ingredients:
- For the Mini Loaves:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- A few shakes of nutmeg and cinnamon
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2/3 cup shredded carrots
- A handful of walnuts, chopped
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/4 block cream cheese, softened
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Method:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a mini loaf pan well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In one bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Stir to mix thoroughly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, melted coconut oil, brown sugar, and maple syrup until well combined.
- Combine and Fold:
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
- Fold in the shredded carrots and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared mini loaf pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 of the way to allow room for rising.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 21-24 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a loaf comes out clean.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Frosting:
- In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, softened butter, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Cool and Frost:
- Allow the mini loaves to cool completely before frosting. Apply a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top of each loaf.
Enjoy these delightful Banana Carrot Cake Mini Loaves, a tasty treat that combines classic flavors in a new and exciting way, topped with a creamy, irresistible frosting. Perfect for any occasion, these mini loaves are sure to become a new favorite!