Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that combines two beloved classics into one delightful treat: Carrot Cake Banana Bread. This heavenly creation marries the moist and tender texture of banana bread with the irresistible flavors of carrot cake, resulting in a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with warm spices, this Carrot Cake Banana Bread is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Join us as we dive into the world of homemade goodness and learn how to make this delicious treat from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 2 overripe bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups oat flour OR white whole wheat flour
- 1 cup carrots, finely grated
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, beaten eggs, melted coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add the baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and flour to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the banana bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve your Carrot Cake Banana Bread, and enjoy every moist and flavorful bite!
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor and sweetness, use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots for this recipe. They will mash easily and add natural sweetness to the banana bread.
- Flour Options: You can use oat flour or white whole wheat flour for this recipe, depending on your preference. Oat flour adds a slightly nutty flavor and a denser texture, while white whole wheat flour provides a lighter texture with added fiber.
- Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies or prefer to omit the walnuts, feel free to leave them out or substitute with raisins, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Variations to Explore:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Add a creamy and tangy cream cheese swirl to your Carrot Cake Banana Bread by mixing together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture on top of the batter and swirl with a knife before baking for a deliciously decadent treat.
- Coconut Pineapple: Give your banana bread a tropical twist by adding shredded coconut and crushed pineapple to the batter. The combination of sweet pineapple and chewy coconut adds a burst of flavor and moisture to the loaf, reminiscent of a classic carrot cake.
- Orange Zest Glaze: Drizzle a zesty orange glaze over the top of your Carrot Cake Banana Bread for a refreshing burst of citrus flavor. Simply mix together powdered sugar, orange zest, and fresh orange juice until smooth and pour over the cooled banana bread for an extra special touch.
- Spiced Apple: Incorporate grated apples and a blend of warm spices such as nutmeg, cloves, and ginger into the batter for a delicious twist on classic carrot cake flavors. The addition of juicy apples adds natural sweetness and moisture to the banana bread, making it even more irresistible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use vegetable oil instead of coconut oil? A: Yes, you can substitute vegetable oil or melted butter for the coconut oil in this recipe if desired. Keep in mind that coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor, while vegetable oil or butter will result in a more neutral flavor.
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of oat flour or white whole wheat flour? A: Yes, you can use all-purpose flour as a substitute for oat flour or white whole wheat flour in this recipe. However, keep in mind that all-purpose flour may result in a slightly different texture and flavor compared to the whole grain flours.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check all ingredients for potential sources of gluten and use certified gluten-free products to prevent cross-contamination.
Q: How should I store leftover banana bread? A: Store leftover Carrot Cake Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze sliced banana bread in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Low-Carb Option: To make a low-carb version of Carrot Cake Banana Bread, you can use almond flour or coconut flour instead of oat flour or white whole wheat flour. Substitute an equal amount of almond flour or coconut flour for the flour called for in the recipe, and adjust the amount of liquid (eggs, oil, sweetener) as needed to achieve the desired consistency. You can also use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia in place of maple syrup or honey for a sugar-free option.
- Keto-Friendly Version: For a keto-friendly version of Carrot Cake Banana Bread, use almond flour or coconut flour as the base and substitute low-carb sweeteners such as monk fruit extract or erythritol for the maple syrup or honey. You can also add keto-friendly ingredients such as shredded coconut, chopped pecans, or sugar-free chocolate chips to the batter for added flavor and texture. Be sure to adjust the ingredients and proportions accordingly to maintain the proper balance of flavors and textures.
In conclusion, Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a delightful fusion of two classic desserts that’s sure to please your palate and warm your heart. With its moist and tender texture, warm spices, and sweet carrot flavor, this banana bread is a deliciously wholesome treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of day. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a smear of cream cheese, this Carrot Cake Banana Bread is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to the irresistible charm of Carrot Cake Banana Bread? With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a delightful way to add a touch of homemade goodness to your day. So grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the warm, comforting flavors of this beloved classic. Enjoy!
