This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a delightful twist on traditional banana bread! It combines the moist, rich texture of banana bread with the spiced flavors of carrot cake, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious. Made with natural sweetness from bananas and maple syrup, plus the added goodness of grated carrots, this dairy-free recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthier dessert or snack option. Topped with a creamy dairy-free frosting, this bread is sure to impress!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup applesauce

• 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (~1 cup)

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup quick oats

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 cup white whole wheat flour

• 1 cup grated carrots (~2 medium, excess moisture removed)

For the Dairy-Free Frosting

• 1/3 cup dairy-free cream cheese

• 1/3 cup dairy-free butter

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 tsp maple syrup

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tbsp dairy-free milk (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the carrots: Grate the carrots and squeeze out any excess moisture.

2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, applesauce, mashed bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth.

4. Add the dry ingredients: Stir in the oats, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.

5. Add flour and carrots: Gently fold in the flour and grated carrots. Be careful not to overmix!

6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 30 minutes, then cover with foil and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

7. Prepare the frosting: While the bread is baking, beat together the dairy-free cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, and dairy-free milk (if needed) until light and fluffy.

8. Cool and frost: Once the bread is done, let it cool for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. Once cooled completely, spread the frosting over the bread.

9. Serve and store: Store the bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze it (unfrosted) for up to 3 months.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 250 kcal

• Total Fat: 8 g

  • Saturated Fat: 2 g

• Cholesterol: 35 mg

• Sodium: 210 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 40 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 4 g

  • Sugars: 15 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Vitamin A: 45% of daily value

• Vitamin C: 5% of daily value

• Calcium: 4% of daily value

• Iron: 6% of daily value

Why Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a Healthier Dessert Option

Carrot Cake Banana Bread stands out as a healthier dessert option for several reasons. Unlike traditional cakes or breads that rely on refined sugars and butter, this recipe uses natural sweeteners like ripe bananas and maple syrup to provide a rich, satisfying sweetness without added processed sugar. The bananas not only add sweetness but also contribute moisture to the bread, helping it achieve the tender, dense texture that is characteristic of both banana bread and carrot cake.

The use of white whole wheat flour adds a whole grain element to the recipe, making it a better choice than refined white flour. Whole wheat flour retains more nutrients and fiber, which helps support digestive health and stabilize blood sugar levels. The addition of oats further boosts the fiber content, helping to promote feelings of fullness and support a healthy digestive system.

Grated carrots, the star ingredient in carrot cake, are packed with vitamins, particularly vitamin A, which supports eye health, immune function, and skin health. Carrots also provide antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress in the body. These healthy additions make Carrot Cake Banana Bread not only a delicious dessert but also a nutritious one, providing essential vitamins and minerals that can contribute to overall well-being.

Health Benefits of Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Carrot Cake Banana Bread is loaded with health benefits that make it more than just a sweet treat. One of the most significant health benefits comes from the carrots, which are rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that the body converts into vitamin A. Vitamin A plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy vision, a strong immune system, and healthy skin. It also supports cellular growth and repair, making it an essential nutrient for overall health.

The bananas in the bread provide potassium, a mineral that is vital for heart health, muscle function, and maintaining proper fluid balance in the body. Potassium helps regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium, making it particularly beneficial for heart health. Bananas also provide vitamin C, which is important for immune function and skin health, and they are a good source of dietary fiber, which supports digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut.

Maple syrup, the natural sweetener used in this recipe, is rich in antioxidants and minerals like manganese and zinc. These minerals support the body’s ability to combat oxidative stress and inflammation, promoting overall health. Maple syrup also has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, meaning it causes a slower, more stable increase in blood sugar levels.

The dairy-free cream cheese used in the frosting provides a creamy, rich texture without the saturated fat found in traditional cream cheese, making it a healthier option for those avoiding dairy or looking to reduce their saturated fat intake.

Flavor Profile of Carrot Cake Banana Bread

The flavor profile of Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, with layers of flavor that will keep you coming back for more. The ripe bananas bring a natural sweetness to the bread, while the maple syrup enhances the overall flavor with a warm, caramel-like undertone. The grated carrots contribute a subtle sweetness and earthy flavor, which pairs beautifully with the spices of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.

The spices in the bread are what truly make it reminiscent of a classic carrot cake. The cinnamon provides a warm, comforting flavor that envelops the entire loaf, while the ginger adds a bit of zest and heat, creating depth in the overall flavor profile. The nutmeg, though used in smaller quantities, adds a fragrant, slightly sweet element that enhances the complexity of the bread. Together, these spices give the bread a rich, aromatic flavor that is both comforting and satisfying.

The frosting is the perfect finishing touch. Made with dairy-free cream cheese and butter, the frosting is rich and tangy, balancing the sweetness of the bread. A touch of maple syrup and cinnamon adds flavor to the frosting, making it a creamy, spiced topping that complements the banana bread without overpowering it. The combination of the moist bread and creamy frosting creates a decadent yet not-too-heavy dessert.

How to Customize Carrot Cake Banana Bread

One of the great things about Carrot Cake Banana Bread is its versatility. The base recipe can easily be customized to suit your personal tastes or dietary needs. For those who enjoy extra texture and flavor, you can add nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter. These nuts will provide a satisfying crunch and add healthy fats, while also complementing the spiced flavor of the bread.

If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can swap out the cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg for other warm spices like cloves or allspice. You can also add a handful of dried fruit, such as raisins, currants, or chopped dates, to add more natural sweetness and chewiness to the bread.

For those who are looking to make the bread even healthier, you can substitute some or all of the white whole wheat flour with almond flour or oat flour. These flour alternatives will provide additional nutrients and protein while keeping the bread gluten-free. If you’re avoiding sugar altogether, you can experiment with using stevia or monk fruit sweetener as a sugar substitute, though this may alter the texture and flavor slightly.

If you’re looking for a lighter version of the frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar or use a plant-based sweetener, such as coconut sugar or maple sugar. Alternatively, you could top the bread with a simple dusting of cinnamon instead of frosting for a lighter option.

How to Serve Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Carrot Cake Banana Bread is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a dessert to impress your guests. It can be served as a quick breakfast or enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack. The rich flavor of the bread makes it perfect for a dessert, while the added nutrients make it a great option for a more wholesome snack.

This bread also makes a great gift, especially for friends or family who are looking for a healthier dessert option. It’s easy to slice into thick pieces and serve as a part of a brunch spread or as a treat for special occasions like birthdays or holidays.

If you’re looking for a more decadent experience, serve the bread with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream or a scoop of non-dairy ice cream on the side. For a more indulgent twist, you could also drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the bread for added sweetness.

Conclusion

Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a delicious and satisfying dessert that brings together the best of both carrot cake and banana bread in one irresistible recipe. With its naturally sweetened base, spiced flavor profile, and creamy dairy-free frosting, this bread offers the comfort of a traditional dessert with a healthier twist. The combination of ripe bananas, grated carrots, and aromatic spices makes this bread moist, flavorful, and nutrient-dense, while the dairy-free frosting adds a rich, creamy finishing touch.

This recipe is versatile and can easily be customized to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences. Whether you prefer adding nuts, dried fruit, or swapping ingredients for a lighter version, the possibilities are endless. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying a slice for breakfast, serving it as a snack, or offering it as a dessert to guests.

Carrot Cake Banana Bread is not only a delicious and comforting treat, but it’s also a great way to enjoy a healthier, plant-based dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With its moist texture, warm spices, and creamy frosting, it’s sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire.