Carrot Cake Banana Bread

This carrot banana bread is the ultimate mash-up of two classic baked goods: moist banana bread and spiced carrot cake. It’s perfectly sweet, filled with cozy spices, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of shredded coconut, then topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. If you’re looking for a simple but impressive loaf that feels like dessert (but can totally pass for breakfast), you’re in the right place.

What makes this banana carrot bread different? It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup, made with pantry staples, and has been tested to perfection for the ideal texture—tender, moist, and just dense enough. And that cream cheese icing? It’s next-level thanks to a touch of lemon zest that brings everything together. This recipe is beginner-friendly, adaptable, and comes together in one bowl (no mixer required!).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

As a lifestyle expert and recipe developer for food brands, I specialize in creating easy, elevated recipes with a seasonal twist. I’ve made this carrot banana bread more times than I can count—testing everything from the ratio of carrots to bananas, to the ideal bake time—to make sure it works every single time.

My readers come here because they trust that what they find is not only beautiful and flavorful but also achievable at home, even on busy days. This recipe is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients with big flavor, and I’m sharing all my expert tips along the way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this carrot banana bread with cream cheese frosting:

For the Bread

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed – The riper the better. This adds natural sweetness and moisture.
• 2 eggs – Use room temperature eggs for better texture.
• ½ cup melted butter – You can sub with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth.
• ½ cup maple syrup – For natural sweetness and a subtle caramel note.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1½ cups grated carrot – Loosely packed, not too finely shredded.
• ½ cup chopped walnuts – Optional, but they add great crunch.
• ¼ cup shredded coconut – Optional, but adds texture and subtle sweetness.

For the Cream Cheese Icing

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp butter, room temp
• 2 cups icing sugar – Add more for thicker consistency.
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Pinch of salt

Tip

Want a lighter version? Skip the frosting altogether—it’s just as delicious on its own or with a smear of nut butter.

Substitutions and Variations

• Make it gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Make it dairy-free: Use coconut oil instead of butter, and a vegan cream cheese for the frosting (or skip it).
• Nut-free: Omit the walnuts or replace with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Add-ins: Raisins, chopped dates, or mini chocolate chips are welcome additions.

How to Make Carrot Banana Bread

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5” loaf pan with parchment or lightly grease it.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk mashed bananas, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and maple syrup.
3. Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Fold in carrots, walnuts, and coconut.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into your loaf pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool completely before adding the frosting.
7. Make frosting: Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt. Beat until creamy and spreadable.
8. Frost and enjoy!

How to Store & Make Ahead

• Room temp: Store the unfrosted bread wrapped tightly for up to 3 days.
• Fridge: Frosted loaf keeps for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or warm in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Other Banana Bread Recipes You’ll Love

• Winter Spice Banana Bread
• Pear Banana Bread with White Chocolate
• Pumpkin Banana Bread

Final Thoughts

This carrot banana bread is cozy, nourishing, and a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you enjoy it with your morning coffee, as a lunchbox treat, or topped with cream cheese frosting for dessert, it’s the kind of easy, feel-good bake that brings people together.

I hope this loaf makes it into your regular baking rotation—it’s certainly a staple in mine!

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