Banana Bread Carrot Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
Introduction
Banana Bread Carrot Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful twist on two classic baked goods. Combining the sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of carrots, this recipe creates a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Topped with a creamy vanilla cream cheese frosting, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the hearty texture of banana bread and the spiced flavor of carrot cake. It’s a great way to use up those overly ripe bananas and enjoy some healthy carrots too! Plus, the vanilla cream cheese frosting adds a rich and sweet touch that elevates the whole dish. It’s a fun and tasty way to treat yourself and your loved ones!
How to Make Banana Bread Carrot Cake
Ingredients:
- 3 medium overly ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup mashed)
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the frosting:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
- 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1-2 cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch bread pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, grated carrots, melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the bread dense. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts for extra texture.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bread pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the center is just set.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes before removing and applying frosting. Cooling is essential to prevent the frosting from melting.
- In a bowl, beat together the room temperature salted butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, mixing until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar to taste, blending until the frosting reaches your preferred sweetness and consistency.
- Spread the vanilla cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled banana carrot bread. Slice and enjoy this delicious treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert.
How to Serve Banana Bread Carrot Cake
Serve this delicious loaf sliced and topped with the creamy frosting. It’s perfect on its own, or you can enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea. Add some fresh fruit or nuts on the side for a complete snack or breakfast.
How to Store Banana Bread Carrot Cake
To store your banana bread carrot cake, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to three months. Just wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Tips to Make Banana Bread Carrot Cake
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
- The carrots can be grated finely or coarsely, depending on your texture preference.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before frosting to maintain the integrity of the frosting.
- Feel free to experiment with adding nuts, raisins, or spices like nutmeg to change the flavor.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding other spices like nutmeg or vanilla bean. For a chocolate version, you could add a half cup of cocoa powder to the batter. You may also replace the frosting with a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use regular oil instead of coconut oil?
A: Yes, you can substitute any neutral oil in place of coconut oil.
Q: Is it necessary to use walnuts?
A: No, walnuts are optional. You can leave them out or replace them with another type of nut or seeds.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend to make it gluten-free.
Enjoy making and sharing this Banana Bread Carrot Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting! It’s a delightful treat that everyone will love.
