Mother’s Day is around the corner, and I’m already planning a simple but very spring-like menu. I’ve only recently started baking carrot cake; it’s not something I grew up eating, so I’m having a lot of fun sharing new recipes! My mom and little sister, Asher, both love banana bread or banana cake. I decided that mixing in carrots and using cream cheese frosting could be fun for this time of year. And delicious, of course! To make this recipe, I used my favorite banana bread recipe as a base and added carrots to the batter. The bread—or maybe it’s more of a cake—turned out so yummy! This is definitely a recipe you can make for mom, but truly, you can bake this any time of the year!
These are the details
Step 1: start with the bananas The key is using very ripe bananas. I’m talking brown spots all over. These are perfect for banana bread. Mash up the bananas. Tip I love to use a potato masher!
Step 2: mix the batter Add the mashed bananas and grated carrots. Then mix with coconut oil, pure maple syrup, or honey; both are great. Next, crack in a couple of eggs and a splash of vanilla. Add flour, a pinch of cinnamon, and a dash of salt. The cinnamon adds a warmth that I find lovely with these flavors. It’s subtle enough that you can’t really tell it’s there, but it adds a special touch. Bake the bread in a 1-pound bread loaf pan.
Step 3: the frosting While the bread is baking, make the frosting. I love cream cheese frosting with any kind of carrot cake, so I felt like we needed a thick layer. I make mine with butter, cream cheese, cinnamon, vanilla, and sea salt. Beat this all together, then mix in powdered sugar to your taste. I never use more than a cup.
Some might skip this frosting, but please, I’m begging you all, make it! It’s so delicious when slathered over an ever-so-slightly warmed piece of bread. The bread with the frosting slathered on is very tender, very banana-y, lightly sweetened, and full of yumminess. A slice of carrot cake banana bread is perfect any time of day, yet special enough to serve mom too!
Looking for other sweet recipes? Here are a few ideas: Blender Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Muffins Giant Double Blueberry Muffin Cookies Bakery Blueberry Vanilla Crunch Muffins Blueberry Swirl Coffee Cake Muffins Double Strawberry Cupcakes Maple Glazed Doughnuts Baked Chocolate Fudge Glazed Doughnuts Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts with Cinnamon Maple Glaze Lastly, if you make this Banana Bread Carrot Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And, of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
