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Banana Bread Carrot Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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This Banana Bread Carrot Cake combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and grated carrots with warm cinnamon and crunchy walnuts, all topped with a smooth vanilla cream cheese frosting. Perfect as a wholesome dessert or a cozy breakfast treat, this recipe uses whole wheat pastry flour and sweetens naturally with honey or maple syrup for a nutritious twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Bread Ingredients

  • 3 medium overly ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup mashed)
  • 1 cup grated carrots
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1-2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Grease a 9×5 inch bread pan thoroughly to ensure the bread does not stick.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, grated carrots, melted coconut oil, honey or maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly blended.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the bread dense. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
  4. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bread pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the bread is set. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 30 minutes before adding frosting.
  5. Prepare the Frosting: In a bowl, beat together the room temperature salted butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, starting with 1 cup, and mix until you reach your desired sweetness and consistency.
  6. Frost and Serve: Once the bread has cooled for at least 30 minutes, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top. Slice and enjoy your flavorful Banana Bread Carrot Cake.

Notes

  • Make sure bananas are overly ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts altogether if preferred.
  • Honey and maple syrup are interchangeable; maple syrup provides a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For a vegan option, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a vegan cream cheese alternative.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/banana-bread-carrot-cake-with-vanilla-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/