Description
This Quick Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with freshly grated carrot and warm spices. Perfect for a comforting breakfast or snack, it uses simple ingredients and comes together easily, baking into a tender, aromatic bread with optional coconut and walnuts for extra texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda (ensure it’s fresh)
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg (freshly grated for best flavor)
- 3/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup oil (like canola or vegetable oil)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3-4 very ripe bananas)
- 1/2 cup finely grated carrot (about 1 medium carrot)
Optional Additions
- Shredded coconut (to taste)
- Crushed walnuts (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the dry ingredients along with any optional shredded coconut or crushed walnuts, if using, making sure the mixture is well blended.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, vanilla extract, milk, maple syrup, mashed bananas, and finely grated carrot until the mixture is smooth and uniformly combined.
- Form Batter: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients and gently stir until you get a smooth batter, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend if desired, but baking time may vary slightly.
- Ensure your baking soda and powder are fresh for proper rise and texture.
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture in the bread.
- Optionally add shredded coconut or walnuts to enhance texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.