This Carrot Cake Banana Bread brings together two iconic favorites into one irresistible loaf. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs perfectly with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, while shredded carrots add extra moisture and a subtle earthiness. Finished with a rich cinnamon cream cheese frosting, it’s a slice of joy in every bite.
Perfect for springtime brunches, afternoon tea, or cozy weekend baking, this quick bread is made healthier with whole wheat pastry flour, coconut sugar, and applesauce. Whether you’re making it for guests or savoring it solo with a cup of coffee, this recipe proves that wholesome can also be wonderfully indulgent.
Full Recipe:
Dry Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups whole wheat pastry flour
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½ cup quick oats
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp cinnamon
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¼ tsp nutmeg
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¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
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2 very ripe bananas, mashed (about ¾ cup)
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½ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tbsp melted coconut oil
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¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
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1 heaping cup shredded carrots (about 2 large carrots)
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⅓ cup almond or coconut milk
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⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (plus 2 tbsp for topping)
Optional Add-ins:
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½ cup raisins
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½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Frosting:
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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⅓ cup powdered sugar
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¼ tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray an 8.5×4.5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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In another bowl, mix mashed bananas, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir in applesauce and milk, then fold in shredded carrots.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined—do not overmix.
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Gently fold in melted coconut oil, nuts, and any optional add-ins.
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Pour batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 40-55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Let cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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For frosting: Beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over cooled bread and sprinkle with nuts.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per slice | Servings: 12
The Ultimate Fusion: Carrot Cake Banana Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
When the comforting familiarity of banana bread meets the spiced sweetness of carrot cake, something magical happens in the kitchen. Carrot Cake Banana Bread is one of those hybrid baked goods that delivers the best of both worlds — a loaf that is moist, flavorful, slightly dense yet tender, and crowned with a generous spread of cinnamon cream cheese frosting. It’s a dream come true for lovers of classic desserts who crave something wholesome but indulgent.
What Makes This Recipe Stand Out
This isn’t just your average banana bread. Nor is it your traditional carrot cake. This recipe strikes a perfect balance between hearty and sweet, dense and fluffy, comforting and exciting. One of the biggest appeals of this loaf is its versatility. It’s nutritious enough to serve for breakfast or brunch, yet satisfying and sweet enough to pass as a dessert.
By incorporating mashed bananas, shredded carrots, oats, and whole wheat pastry flour, this loaf is rich in fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. The natural moisture from the bananas and carrots keeps it soft for days, making it ideal for baking ahead or meal-prepping. Add-ins like walnuts, raisins, or shredded coconut only enhance the depth of texture and flavor, giving each slice a bit of variety.
The final touch — the cinnamon cream cheese frosting — turns this quick bread into a showstopper. It’s light, fluffy, and carries just enough tang to contrast the sweetness of the loaf. The subtle cinnamon note ties the flavors together and gives the bread a warm, spiced finish.
Healthier Ingredients Without Compromising Flavor
One of the standout aspects of this recipe is its approach to healthier baking. Instead of white flour, it uses whole wheat pastry flour, which provides extra fiber while maintaining a tender crumb. The bananas act as a natural sweetener, allowing for a reduction in added sugar. Applesauce is used in place of some oil or butter, which helps lower the overall fat content while preserving moisture.
Coconut sugar is used for its lower glycemic index and its ability to mimic brown sugar’s molasses-rich depth. Plant-based milk options such as almond or coconut milk make the recipe suitable for dairy-free diets, and you can even substitute in vegan butter and flax eggs if needed.
This recipe is also adaptable to different dietary needs. You can easily make it vegan by swapping the egg for a flax egg and using dairy-free cream cheese. To make it gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free. It’s an excellent example of how indulgent treats don’t have to be packed with refined sugar and saturated fat to be delicious.
A Texture Lover’s Dream
The texture of this banana bread is something truly special. The mashed bananas and carrots add a tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality. The oats give the loaf a hearty bite, contrasting beautifully with the soft interior. Add in nuts or coconut for crunch and chewiness, and you have a loaf that surprises you in the best way with every mouthful.
The frosting takes it to the next level. It’s thick, creamy, and lightly sweet, with a hint of cinnamon that complements the spices in the bread. This isn’t the kind of frosting that overwhelms — instead, it enhances each bite without making the bread overly rich. It’s especially lovely when chilled, making the loaf feel like a bakery-style treat straight from your fridge.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re baking for Easter brunch, a Mother’s Day breakfast, a weekend treat, or just a cozy night in, this loaf fits the bill. It’s simple enough to make with pantry staples yet unique enough to impress guests. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea in the morning or enjoy it as a satisfying snack in the afternoon.
Because the bread is so moist and flavorful, it stays fresh for days. In fact, many say it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld and deepen. You can easily make it ahead of time, wrap it well, and refrigerate it for several days. It also freezes beautifully — simply slice, wrap, and freeze individual portions for a quick, satisfying snack.
Tips for Best Results
For the best loaf possible, make sure your bananas are very ripe — the darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful the banana will be. Don’t skip grating fresh carrots either; pre-shredded carrots tend to be dry and don’t integrate into the batter as well.
One of the most important steps is to avoid overmixing the batter. Overworking the flour can lead to a dense, gummy loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated and gently fold in any add-ins like nuts or raisins at the end.
Also, always line your loaf pan with parchment paper and spray it with nonstick spray. This helps the bread release easily and keeps the bottom from overbaking. Once baked, allow the loaf to cool completely before frosting — this is key to getting a smooth, spreadable frosting that doesn’t melt off.
Customizing Your Loaf
The beauty of this recipe lies in how easily it can be customized. Want something with a tropical flair? Add crushed pineapple and shredded coconut. Prefer a loaf with more crunch? Use chopped pecans or a mix of walnuts and almonds. Love a little chew? Raisins or dried cranberries fit in perfectly.
You can also control the sweetness based on your preferences. Using maple syrup or honey in place of coconut sugar offers a softer sweetness, while the banana’s natural sugars keep things flavorful no matter what.
Don’t want to fuss with frosting? Skip it! The bread is flavorful enough to stand on its own or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This recipe has been tested and loved by thousands — not just because of how it tastes, but because of how foolproof it is. The instructions are easy to follow, and even beginner bakers can have success. The ingredients are accessible, the flavor is irresistible, and the loaf is forgiving in terms of swaps and add-ins.
It’s one of those rare recipes that checks every box: nutritious, flavorful, indulgent, and flexible. And let’s be honest — there’s something incredibly satisfying about making a loaf that looks like a bakery treat but is packed with wholesome ingredients you can feel good about eating.
Conclusion
Carrot Cake Banana Bread with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting is a must-have in every home baker’s rotation. It combines comfort and nutrition in a way that feels both nostalgic and modern. Whether you’re serving it at a brunch table, slicing it up for snacks, or gifting it to a neighbor, it’s a recipe that brings joy with every bite.
From its spiced aroma to its rich, moist crumb, and that signature swirl of frosting on top, this loaf is everything you want it to be — satisfying, sweet, wholesome, and crowd-pleasing. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it has become a reader favorite and why it continues to win hearts one slice at a time.