Carrot Banana Raisin Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf packed with the natural sweetness of bananas, the wholesome goodness of carrots, and the delightful chewiness of raisins. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this bread is a healthy treat your whole family will love.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
Ingredients
- Ripe Bananas: 2 medium, mashed
- Grated Carrots: 1 cup (about 2 medium carrots)
- Eggs: 2 large
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup (100g)
- Vegetable Oil: ½ cup (120ml)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- All-Purpose Flour: 1½ cups (190g)
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
- Raisins: ½ cup (80g)
- Chopped Nuts (optional): ½ cup (walnuts or pecans)
Directions
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the grated carrots, eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix the Batter
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in the raisins and chopped nuts if using.
- Bake the Bread
- 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 inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
5 Serving Suggestions
- Slice and serve with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast.
- Toast a slice and drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.
- Enjoy with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a balanced snack.
- Serve with fresh fruit on the side for a refreshing treat.
5 Cooking Tips
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Squeeze out excess moisture from the grated carrots if they’re very wet.
- Soak raisins in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up before adding to the batter.
- Line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
Nutritional Benefits
- Bananas: Provide potassium, natural sweetness, and energy.
- Carrots: Add fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin A.
- Raisins: Offer natural sugars and antioxidants.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: No (substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based oil)
- Gluten-Free: No (use a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free)
- Dairy-Free: Yes
Nutritional Facts (Per Slice)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 16g
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the natural sweetness of bananas and carrots for a flavorful bread.
- Easy to make with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep or a quick grab-and-go snack.
- Customizable with add-ins like nuts, raisins, or chocolate chips.
- A great way to use up ripe bananas and leftover carrots.
Conclusion
Carrot Banana Raisin Bread is a delightful and nutritious recipe that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Its moist texture, natural sweetness, and wholesome ingredients make it a favorite for all ages. Bake a loaf today and enjoy a slice of comfort and flavor in every bite.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can substitute all or half of the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Can I make this bread vegan? Replace eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based oil.
- What other add-ins work well? Chopped dates, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips are great options.
- Can I skip the raisins? Yes, you can omit the raisins or replace them with dried cranberries.
- How do I make it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Can I bake this in muffin tins? Yes, adjust the baking time to 20-25 minutes for muffins.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
- Can I reduce the sugar? Yes, reduce the sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- What type of bananas work best? Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the sweetest flavor.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans.
Enjoy baking and savoring this wholesome Carrot Banana Raisin Bread! 🥕🍌✨