Ingredients

• For the Banana Carrot Bread:
  • 2 medium Ripe Bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup Grated Carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
  • 2 large Eggs
  • ½ cup (120 ml) Vegetable Oil
  • ½ cup (100g) Brown Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1½ cups (190g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 1½ teaspoons Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Baking Soda
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
  • ½ cup Chopped Nuts (optional: walnuts or pecans)
  • ¼ cup Raisins (optional)
• For the Topping (optional):
  • Powdered Sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Ingredients:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows the oven to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare the batter. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil or butter, or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. These dry ingredients will help the bread rise and provide the essential structure. The cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the bananas and carrots. Set the dry mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth. The bananas should be soft and slightly overripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. To the mashed bananas, add the grated carrots. Be sure to grate the carrots finely so they blend easily into the batter. The grated carrots not only add natural sweetness but also give the bread a beautiful texture.

Add the eggs to the banana and carrot mixture, and whisk until combined. Next, stir in the vegetable oil, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. The brown sugar will melt into the wet ingredients, imparting a rich caramel-like sweetness, while the oil ensures the bread remains moist and tender. Mix everything together until fully incorporated.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Slowly add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf. If you’re adding nuts or raisins, fold them into the batter at this point. The nuts provide a satisfying crunch, while the raisins add little pockets of sweetness.

5. Bake the Banana Carrot Bread:

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Every oven is different, so start checking around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

6. Cooling and Serving:

Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the bread set, making it easier to slice without falling apart.

Once cooled, you can optionally dust the top with powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness or serve it with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a richer, dessert-like treat. Slice and enjoy!

Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Kcal (Calories) and Servings

• Calories per Serving (1 Slice): Approximately 220-250 kcal (depending on optional add-ins like nuts and raisins)
• Servings: This recipe makes 8-10 slices, depending on how thick you cut them.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Banana bread has been a staple in households for decades, and when combined with carrots, this recipe takes the classic to a new level. Banana Carrot Bread is timeless because it marries two beloved ingredients into one delicious loaf that can be enjoyed year-round. It’s a treat that is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert.

The bananas bring moisture and sweetness without the need for refined sugars, while the carrots contribute natural vitamins and a touch of earthiness. When combined with the warm spices like cinnamon, this bread offers a balanced flavor that feels familiar and comforting, but with a unique twist. The ability to add nuts, raisins, or even coconut gives this bread infinite variations, making it a recipe that can be customized to suit any taste.

This bread is also highly adaptable and can be adjusted for dietary preferences. You can easily swap the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour if needed. The oil can be substituted with applesauce or coconut oil for a lighter or richer version, and you can reduce the sugar to make it less sweet if preferred. It’s the perfect way to use overripe bananas, reducing food waste while creating a healthy, delicious treat.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 220-250 kcal per slice (based on 10 slices)
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 150-200mg
• Potassium: 250-300mg (thanks to the bananas and carrots)

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe vegan? Yes, you can make this recipe vegan by using a flax egg or chia egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, set aside for a few minutes to gel) instead of eggs. You can also swap the milk for a non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk.

2. Can I freeze Banana Carrot Bread? Absolutely! Banana Carrot Bread freezes very well. To freeze, simply wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the oven.

3. Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can use any neutral oil in place of vegetable oil, such as canola or sunflower oil. You can also substitute it with melted coconut oil for a different flavor, though it will affect the texture slightly.

4. Can I add more vegetables? Yes! You can easily add zucchini or even sweet potato to this bread. Just be sure to grate the vegetables finely to ensure they mix into the batter well.

Tips for Making the Perfect Banana Carrot Bread

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your bread will be. Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal for this recipe.
• Grate the carrots finely: If the carrots are too thick or chunky, they may not integrate well into the batter, affecting the texture of the bread.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Once the dry ingredients are added to the wet ingredients, mix gently to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can lead to a dense loaf.
• Add-ins: Feel free to get creative with add-ins! Walnuts, raisins, or even dark chocolate chips can make for delightful variations to this bread.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store Banana Carrot Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. This bread tends to stay moist for several days, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.
• Refrigeration: If you want to store it longer