Banana Carrot Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting
Banana Carrot Bread with Cream Cheese Frosting is a moist and tender loaf that balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and fresh carrots, topped with a rich and tangy cream cheese frosting. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, this recipe uses simple pantry staples and offers plenty of customization to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10-12 slices) 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup grated carrots (finely grated)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 to 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread post-baking.
- Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, vegetable oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients Separately: In another bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout the bread.
- Incorporate Carrots and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the grated carrots into the wet mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients and stir just until combined to keep the bread light and tender—avoid overmixing which can make the bread dense.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow the bread to cool completely before frosting.
- Prepare and Spread Cream Cheese Frosting: Beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Spread the frosting generously over the cooled bread for a rich and creamy finish.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Grate carrots finely to blend smoothly into the batter, adding moisture without altering texture.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough bread.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting or sliding.
- Adjust sugar amounts to taste, depending on the ripeness of the bananas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: banana bread, carrot bread, cream cheese frosting, moist bread, easy baking, homemade bread, breakfast bread, sweet snack