Amazing Carrot Cake Banana Bread Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

When it comes to combining flavors and textures, few recipes can match the delightful fusion of carrot cake and banana bread. This carrot cake banana bread is a true showstopper, offering a delicious twist on classic banana bread that's both moist and packed with flavor. With its rich cream cheese frosting, this is hands-down the best banana bread variation you'll ever try!

Equipment Needed

Before you embark on your baking adventure to create this delightful carrot cake banana bread, make sure you have the following essential equipment on hand:

1. Loaf Pan: You'll need a standard-sized 9 inch bread loaf pan. This will ensure your banana bread bakes evenly.
2. Parchment Paper: While optional, lining your loaf pan with parchment paper makes for easy removal and cleanup. If you're skipping this step, ensure you grease and flour the pan thoroughly.
3. Mixing Bowls: You'll need at least two mixing bowls - one for the wet ingredients and another for the dry ingredients. This helps ensure even distribution of the components.
4. Mixer: A stand mixer or a hand mixer is handy for creaming the butter and sugar and incorporating the wet ingredients. However, you can also mix by hand if you prefer.
5. Fork or Potato Masher: A fork or a potato masher is essential for mashing the ripe bananas. Make sure your bananas are well mashed for a smoother batter.
6. Whisk: You'll need a whisk for combining the dry ingredients - flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures uniform distribution and prevents clumps.
7. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are crucial in baking. Have measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning your ingredients.
8. Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack is essential to cool the banana bread evenly after baking. It prevents the bread from becoming soggy on the bottom.

With these essential pieces of equipment at your disposal, you're well-prepared to tackle this carrot cake banana bread recipe with ease. Happy baking!

Ingredients for Carrot Cake Banana Bread

To make this delectable banana carrot bread recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas
• 1 cup grated carrots (use the small side of a grater)
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup rum raisins
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup walnut pieces
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Cream cheese frosting

Directions for Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Let's dive into the step-by-step process of creating this mouthwatering carrotcakebanana bread:

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bread loaf pan (9.25 inches long x 5.25 inches wide x 2.75 inches deep). For easy removal, you can also line it with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and brown sugar: In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar. This should take about 2 minutes, and you want the mixture to become light and fluffy.
3. Add oil, eggs, and vanilla: Incorporate the vegetable oil, large eggs, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is creamy.
4. Mash the bananas: In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.
5. Combine bananas, carrots, and rum raisins: Add the mashed bananas, grated carrots, and rum raisins to the mixing bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir until all the components are thoroughly combined.
6. Prepare the dry ingredients: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients. Toss the walnut pieces into the flour mixture to coat them evenly. This step helps prevent the walnuts from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
7. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps.
8. Bake to perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. The exact baking time may vary, so keep an eye on it in the final minutes.
9. Cool and remove from the pan: Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper for easy lifting, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Can I Omit the Rum Raisins and Walnuts?

Absolutely, you can tailor this carrot cake banana bread to your preferences, and that includes omitting the rum raisins and walnuts if you wish. Here's how to make this delicious treat without them:

• Omitting Rum Raisins: If you're not a fan of raisins or prefer to skip the rum-soaked variety, simply leave them out of the recipe. The banana and carrot flavors will still shine through, providing plenty of natural sweetness and moisture.
• Omitting Walnuts: Likewise, if you have a nut allergy or just prefer a nut-free version, you can omit the walnuts without compromising the overall quality of the bread. Your banana bread will still have a delightful texture and flavor.

Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to suit your taste. Whether you choose to include or omit these ingredients, you'll still end up with a scrumptious carrot cake banana bread that's sure to be a hit.

Tips for Making Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Creating the perfect carrot cake banana bread involves more than just following the recipe. Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out amazing:

• Banana Ripeness: For the best flavor and sweetness, use ripe bananas with brown speckles on the peel. These are ideal for mashing into the batter.
• Walnut Coating: Coating the walnut pieces with flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking. It ensures an even distribution of these crunchy nuggets throughout the loaf.
• Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with additional flavors such as a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist. These spices can complement the sweetness of the bananas and carrots.

Variations for Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Enhance your carrot cake banana bread experience with these delightful variations:

• Vanilla Glaze: For a lighter topping option, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the bread. To make the glaze, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
• Cream Cheese Frosting: The classic choice is a generous layer of cream cheese frosting. The tanginess of cream cheese beautifully contrasts the sweet and spiced banana bread.

Suggested Servings for Carrot Cake Banana Bread

This versatile carrot cake banana bread can be enjoyed in various ways:

• Breakfast Delight: Start your day with a slice of this banana bread alongside a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
• Afternoon Snack: It makes a delightful snack with a glass of milk, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.
• Dessert Extravaganza: Serve it as a dessert, perhaps warmed slightly and topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm bread and cold ice cream is pure indulgence.

FAQs for Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Q: Can I use whole wheat flour for a healthier version?

A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all or part of the all-purpose flour to increase the fiber content. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour may yield a slightly denser texture.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Store your leftover carrot cake banana bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw slices as needed.

Conclusion

Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors and textures with this incredible carrot cake banana bread. Whether you're a fan of classic banana bread or looking to try something new, this recipe is a must-try. The cream cheese frosting takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness, making it a delightful treat for any occasion. Enjoy the warm, comforting aroma and the heavenly taste of this delightful carrot cake banana bread.

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Amazing Carrot Cake Banana Bread Recipe with Cream Cheese Frosting

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• Author: cookwithleo
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 ripe bananas

1 cup grated carrots (use the small side of a grater)

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened

¾ cup brown sugar

¼ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

¼ cup vegetable oil

½ cup rum raisins

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup walnut pieces

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream cheese frosting

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Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bread loaf pan. For easy removal, you can also line it with parchment paper.

2. In a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar. This should take about 2 minutes, and you want the mixture to become light and fluffy.

3. Incorporate the vegetable oil, large eggs, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and the mixture is creamy.

4. In a separate bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be.

5. Add the mashed bananas, grated carrots, and rum raisins to the mixing bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir until all the components are thoroughly combined.

6. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good whisk to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients. Toss the walnut pieces into the flour mixture to coat them evenly. This step helps prevent the walnuts from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.

7. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick or knife inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. The exact baking time may vary, so keep an eye on it in the final minutes.

9. Allow the banana bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper for easy lifting, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Once completely cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting.

Notes

You will have plenty of cream cheese frosting leftover since the recipe is designed for a cake. If you want to make a portion that's perfect for this recipe, then use the following portions:

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 4 tbs unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

Keywords: carrot cake banana bread