There’s something truly special about the smell of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? That comforting aroma can transform a house into a home and send your senses on a delightful journey down memory lane. I still remember the first time I attempted to whip up a loaf of banana bread, only to realize I didn’t have enough ripe bananas. In a moment of kitchen chaos, I decided to grate a fresh carrot into the mix. Little did I know, that “accident” would introduce me to the delightful world of Carrot Banana Bread!
If you’ve ever had a cooking disaster or worried about how a new recipe will turn out, rest assured that this Carrot Banana Bread is the perfect answer to your baking dreams. It’s simple, stress-free, and absolutely doable—even if it’s your first time venturing into the realm of homemade bread.
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Why I Love This Recipe of Carrot Banana Bread
This recipe warms my heart in more ways than one. First and foremost, it’s incredibly versatile—it uses up those perfectly ripe bananas that seem to appear out of nowhere on my kitchen counter and lets me sneak in some nutritious carrots. With each bite, you can taste the harmony of flavors—sweet, subtle, and incredibly cozy.
As a food blogger, I love sharing approachable recipes for beginner cooks, and this is one of my favorites. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just getting started, I assure you it will become a staple in your home. Plus, who can resist the enticing combination of flavors and textures? The moistness from the bananas balances perfectly with the crunch of the walnuts (if you choose to include them) and the sweet earthiness of grated carrots. This Carrot Banana Bread is not just a treat; it’s a wholesome, comforting hug in loaf form.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Carrot Banana Bread
Let’s dive into the wonderful list of ingredients! These basics create a delightful loaf with a cozy texture and robust flavor.
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Carrot Banana Bread
This Carrot Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful, and wholesome treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the earthy goodness of grated carrots. Made with spelt flour and warm cinnamon, it’s a healthy twist on a classic loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups (198g) spelt flour (or substitute whole wheat or all-purpose flour)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- Generous pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup (75g) sugar (organic cane or coconut sugar)
- 1/2 cup (113ml) unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup (56ml) light-flavored olive oil or warmed coconut oil
- 3 medium ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups or 338g)
- 3 carrots, grated (about 1 1/4 cups or 125g)
- 3/4 cup (86g) chopped walnuts (optional)
- Sprinkle of raw sugar (for topping)
- Optional: raisins or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare loaf pan: Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan lightly with oil.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together sugar, almond milk, and oil until sugar dissolves.
- Mash bananas: Mash the ripe bananas in another bowl until smooth.
- Mix batter: Add the wet mixture and mashed bananas to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Fold in carrots (and walnuts if using): Gently fold in grated carrots and optional walnuts or raisins.
- Pour into pan: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle raw sugar on top.
- Bake: Bake for 50–55 minutes, rotating halfway through. Check doneness with a toothpick.
- Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature. Pairs well with cashew cream or nut butter.
- Store: Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, in the fridge for 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and better texture.
- Walnuts add crunch, but you can substitute with seeds for a nut-free version.
- For a sweeter loaf, add raisins or chocolate chips.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense bread.
- Bread freezes well—slice before freezing for easy grab-and-go portions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 loaf)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: carrot banana bread, healthy banana bread, spelt flour bread, cinnamon carrot banana loaf, moist banana bread, dairy-free carrot bread
Essentials
2 cups (198g) spelt flour: A wonderful alternative to regular flour, spelt flour has a nutty taste and is packed with nutrients. It adds a wholesome flair to the bread.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: This warm spice is a staple in many baked goods. It brings depth and warmth, making your kitchen smell like a cozy haven.
2 teaspoons baking powder: This leavening agent helps the bread rise, creating that lovely soft texture we all crave.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: When combined with the acidic ingredients, it gives an additional lift to the bread.
Generous pinch of salt: This enhances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
1/3 cup (75 g) sugar: Whether you use organic pure cane or coconut sugar, this adds just the right amount of sweetness to the loaf.
1/2 cup (113 ml) unsweetened almond milk: This dairy-free option adds moisture without overpowering the flavors.
1/4 cup (56 ml) light-flavored olive oil or warmed coconut oil: Both oils will keep your bread moist and tender. Coconut oil, of course, adds a lovely hint of coconut flavor.
3 medium bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cup or 338g): Ripe bananas are key—they bring natural sweetness and moisture to the loaf.
3 carrots, grated (about 1 1/4 cup or 125g): Not only do they add nutrition but they also contribute to the bread’s lovely color and delicate texture.
3/4 cup (86 g) chopped walnuts, optional: These provide added nuttiness and crunch. I always say, a few nuts never hurt anyone!
Sprinkle of raw sugar: A final touch on top creates a sweet crust that adds an appealing aesthetic.
Optional Add-Ons
While all these ingredients are fantastic on their own, you can personalize the recipe!
Optional add-ins: Try tossing in a handful of raisins or even some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise!
Good substitutes: If you don’t have spelt flour, feel free to use whole wheat or all-purpose flour. For nut-free options, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
How to Make Carrot Banana Bread Step-by-Step
Baking this Carrot Banana Bread is as easy as pie, or should I say, as easy as loaf! Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This is essential for even baking and achieving that lovely golden crust.
Prepare Your Loaf Pan: Grease a 9 x 5 loaf pan lightly with a bit of oil to ensure your bread slides right out when it’s done baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of spelt flour, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and a generous pinch of salt. Use a large slotted spoon or a fork to mix the ingredients well.
Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, combine 1/3 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk, and 1/4 cup of olive oil (or warm coconut oil). Stir well until the sugar has dissolved completely.
Mash the Bananas: In another bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas until smooth. The bananas should be soft enough that you can easily break them down with a fork.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture and the mashed bananas into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense bread, and we want it light and fluffy!
Fold in the Carrots: Gently fold in the grated carrots. This is the moment when you can also add in the chopped walnuts, if you’re using them.
Pour into Loaf Pan: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even finish.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool Down: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Serving: Whether you enjoy your slices warm or at room temperature, this bread pairs beautifully with a slather of cashew sweet cream or a dollop of your favorite nut butter.
Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them covered on the counter for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Want to stock up for later? Wrap the completely cooled loaves in freezer containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Carrot Banana Bread
When making this Carrot Banana Bread, keep these common pitfalls in mind to boost your baking success:
Overmixing the Batter
Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Remember to simply combine the wet and dry ingredients until you no longer see dry flour. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately
Baking is a science, and measurements count. I always recommend using a kitchen scale for accuracy—especially with flour! Too little or too much can affect your loaf’s texture.
Not Allowing Enough Baking Time
Your specific oven may require different baking times. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the middle of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!
Forgetting to Grease the Pan
If you’re too eager and skip greasing the loaf pan, you may end up with bread stuck to the sides! A little oil goes a long way here.
Serving Suggestions for Carrot Banana Bread
This Carrot Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate your experience, here are a few delightful serving suggestions:
Spread It with Sweet Cream
A generous spread of cashew sweet cream or any nut butter adds a lovely dimension of flavor. The richness can transform your bread into a heavenly treat.
Top It with Fresh Fruits
Sliced bananas or fresh berries on top brighten the flavor and add a burst of color. A dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of honey can also elevate the dish!
Enjoy with a Cup of Tea or Coffee
Pairing the bread with a warm beverage can elevate your cozy experience. The spices from the bread will complement your drink beautifully.
Serve as Breakfast or Snack
With its delightful blend of flavors, this bread makes for a wonderful breakfast option or afternoon snack, keeping you toasty and satisfied.
Pro-Level Tips for When You’re Ready
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, here are some pro tips to elevate your Carrot Banana Bread:
Experiment with Flavors
Feel free to play around with spices. A dash of nutmeg, clove, or even ginger can add deeper flavors to your bread.
Try Different Flours
While spelt flour is wholesome and delicious, you can also experiment with other flours! Almond flour or gluten-free blends work wonderfully too.
Add Zest for Brightness
Adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest can brighten the flavor and give your bread a refreshing twist.
Make It a Quick Bread
Consider adding a few tablespoons of shredded coconut or swapping in a different type of nut to keep things fresh and surprising.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Now that you’ve learned how to make this delightful Carrot Banana Bread, I hope you’re feeling empowered to head into your kitchen and give it a try! Not only is this recipe easier than it looks, but it’s also customizable to your liking, ensuring that it can fit seamlessly into your life. It’s cozy, classic, and beginner-approved—perfect for any home cook!
Don’t forget to share your baking adventures in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear how your Carrot Banana Bread turns out!
FAQs About Carrot Banana Bread
What is Carrot Banana Bread?
Carrot Banana Bread is a delightful loaf made from ripe bananas and grated carrots, spiced with cinnamon and benefits from the nutrients of spelt flour.
How can I make my Carrot Banana Bread less dense?
Ensure you mix the wet and dry ingredients only until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of spelt flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour can be used as a direct substitute for spelt flour, though it may give a different flavor and texture.
How do I store leftover Carrot Banana Bread?
Store it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I add other ingredients like chocolate chips?
Yes! Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to elevate the flavors and textures in your Carrot Banana Bread.
Happy baking! Enjoy the cozy warmth that only a homemade loaf can bring!
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