Description
This Banana Bread Carrot Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting is a delightful fusion of moist banana bread and spiced carrot cake, topped with a creamy vanilla-infused cream cheese frosting. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, ripe bananas, and grated carrots with warm spices and a rich frosting, creating a comforting treat that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 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)
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch bread pan thoroughly to ensure easy release after baking.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, grated carrots, melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Bake the bread: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bread pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare the frosting: In a clean bowl, beat together the room-temperature salted butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing to achieve your desired consistency and sweetness.
- Frost and serve: Once the bread has cooled completely, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and enjoy this delicious Banana Bread Carrot Cake as a sweet treat or snack.
Notes
- Make sure the bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and flavor.
- Whole wheat pastry flour adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but all-purpose flour works well too.
- Adjust the powdered sugar in the frosting based on your sweetness preference.
- Let the bread cool completely before frosting to prevent melting.
- Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor balance.
- You can store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of bread with frosting)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
