Carrot Cake Banana Bread (Printable view)

A moist, spiced loaf combining classic carrot cake flavors with naturally sweet bananas. Ready in just over an hour.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking soda
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
09 - 1 cup finely grated carrots
10 - 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
11 - 1/4 cup neutral oil or melted butter
12 - 2 large eggs
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
14 - 1/4 cup milk

→ Add-Ins

15 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
16 - 1/2 cup raisins

# Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease thoroughly.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, mash bananas thoroughly. Add grated carrots, brown sugar, oil, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Mix until fully combined.
04 - Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
05 - Fold in walnuts and raisins if using.
06 - Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan and smooth top evenly.
07 - Bake for 50 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into center comes out mostly clean. A few moist crumbs are acceptable.
08 - Let cool in pan for 15 minutes, then remove and transfer to wire rack. Cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The spices hit you first warm cinnamon and nutmeg that make the whole house smell like a bakery
  • That tender texture where the banana keeps things moist while the carrots add tiny sweet pockets throughout
  • Its breakfast disguised as cake and nobody needs to know the difference
02 -
  • Dont overmix the batter or your bread will be tough instead of tender
  • The toothpick test is your best friend but remember, a few moist crumbs are perfect
  • This bread actually tastes better on day two when the flavors have had time to become best friends
03 -
  • Grate your carrots on the finest side of your box grater so they virtually disappear into the crumb
  • If your bananas arent quite ripe enough, place them in a 300°F oven for 15 minutes until blackened

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