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Carrot Cake Banana Bread

A warm, whisper-soft loaf that combines the mellow sweetness of banana bread with the spiced warmth of carrot cake, topped with creamy frosting.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 16 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bread
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups mashed bananas (about 3-4 medium bananas) Use very ripe bananas for sweetness.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp ground all spice
  • 1 cup shredded carrots Grate finely for even distribution.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
  • 1/2 cup butter For frosting, softened.
  • 8 oz cream cheese Softened for easy mixing.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon (for frosting)
Optional Toppings
  • 1/2 cup crushed pecans Can be omitted for nut-free option.
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots For a decorative touch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease two 8x4 inch pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add in the eggs and vanilla; beat until mixed.
  4. Sift in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, all spice, ginger, and salt to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined.
  5. Add in shredded carrots and mix until combined.
  6. Pour in the mashed bananas and mix until just combined.
  7. Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a cake tester comes out clean.
  8. Allow the loaves to cool fully before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until well combined.
  2. Add vanilla extract, cinnamon, and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
  3. Spread frosting over the cooled loaves and sprinkle with crushed pecans and shredded carrots if desired.

Notes

Store cooled, frosted loaves in the fridge; they keep well for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze unfrosted slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.