Are you ready to indulge in a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while nourishing your body? Look no further than this delectable Healthy Carrot Cake Banana Bread! Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the vibrant crunch of fresh carrots, this loaf is not only a delightful addition to your breakfast table but also a wholesome snack any time of day. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this nutritious and flavorful recipe. Trust us, one slice will leave you craving more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy using a fork or potato masher. Ensure the bananas are very ripe for maximum natural sweetness.
- Grate fresh carrots using a box grater or food processor. Pat the grated carrots lightly with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In the same bowl with mashed bananas, add sugar, honey, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk these wet ingredients together until well combined and slightly frothy.
- In a separate bowl, sift together whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and evenly distribute the leavening agents.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, which can result in a dense bread.
- Gently fold in the grated carrots, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice and serve. The bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Tips
- Choose Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor and sweetness, use bananas that are heavily speckled or even brown. The riper they are, the more natural sweetness they’ll add to your bread.
- Grate Carrots Fresh: Freshly grated carrots provide better texture and flavor than pre-packaged shredded carrots. Use a box grater or food processor for quick and easy grating.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so be gentle!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread at the 50-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Storage Tips: To keep your banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices for a quick snack later.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
