This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a delightful fusion of two classic desserts, combining the moist, dense texture of banana bread with the rich flavors of carrot cake. The bread is packed with natural sweetness from ripe bananas and brown sugar, enhanced by the aromatic warmth of cinnamon and the crunch of walnuts. Topped with a creamy cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting, this treat is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Why You'll Love This: This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves both banana bread and carrot cake. It offers a fantastic blend of flavors and textures, from the sweet bananas and earthy carrots to the crunchy walnuts. The coconut oil adds a hint of tropical flavor and keeps the bread wonderfully moist. The cream cheese frosting with a dash of cinnamon complements the spiced bread beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience.
Perfect Occasion: This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is ideal for brunches, afternoon tea, family gatherings, or as a comforting treat to enjoy any time. It’s versatile enough for casual settings yet special enough for festive occasions. Serve it at holiday gatherings or bring it to potlucks and watch it disappear quickly!
Decoration Tips: Before adding the frosting, consider topping the bread with a light sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar for added texture and visual appeal. If you're feeling creative, garnish with edible flowers or finely grated carrot for a pop of color that hints at the cake's ingredients.
Ingredients:
- For the Banana Bread:
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts (plus extra for topping)
- For the Frosting:
- 1 16oz carton of cream cheese frosting
- 2 tbsp cinnamon powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Bread:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf tin with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, brown sugar, eggs, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and Greek yogurt. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Sift together the flour, baking soda, and cinnamon powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until well combined.
- Fold in shredded carrots and chopped walnuts. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf tin. Sprinkle additional walnuts on top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- In a small bowl, blend the cream cheese frosting with cinnamon powder until smooth and evenly distributed.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Once the bread has cooled, spread the cinnamon cream cheese frosting over the top.
- Slice and serve.
Enjoy this scrumptious Carrot Cake Banana Bread as a delightful treat that combines the best of both worlds, making it a sure hit for any occasion!