This Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread is the ultimate mash-up of two classics—sweet, moist banana bread and warmly spiced carrot cake. Made without any dairy, it’s a wholesome yet indulgent treat that everyone can enjoy, whether you follow a dairy-free lifestyle or just love delicious baked goods.
Packed with ripe bananas, shredded carrots, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, every slice is full of flavor and natural sweetness. To make it even better, it’s topped with a luscious dairy-free cream cheese frosting. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, this loaf will quickly become a favorite!
Jump To :
What is Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread?
Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread? Now, that’s a mouthful! But where did this delightful chimera come from? Was it a stroke of genius? A happy accident? Or maybe a desperate attempt to use up overripe bananas and a lonely carrot? Who knows! One thing’s for sure: it’s like your favorite carrot cake and sweet banana bread had a baby, and this is the unbelievably delicious result!
We could say ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ but honestly, this bread will win over anyone’s heart! So, ditch the dairy and dive into this wonderfully moist and flavorful creation. What are you waiting for? Give it a try and let your taste buds rejoice!
Key Ingredients for Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread:
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The riper, the sweeter and more moist the bread will be.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the bread.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bread rise.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Adds extra leavening power.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the sweetness and other flavors.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon and adds depth.
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves: Provides a hint of that classic carrot cake flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness.
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramelly flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce: Replaces the oil, adding moisture and reducing fat.
- 1/4 cup dairy-free milk (almond, soy, or oat): Provides moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: The star of the show! Use finely shredded carrots.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds texture and nutty flavor.
- Dairy Free Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz dairy-free cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup dairy-free butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread:
This Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread is incredibly easy to make and delivers a moist, flavorful loaf that will disappear in no time! It’s the perfect bake for a weekend brunch or a comforting afternoon snack. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and an hour to bake. The creamy, dairy-free frosting is the perfect finishing touch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents the bread from sticking and makes for easy removal.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. A few small chunks are fine.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread.
- Fold in Carrots and Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in the shredded carrots and chopped nuts (if using). Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Prepare the frosting. With a mixer, blend the dairy-free cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to prevent a cloud of sugar.
- Stir in vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Let the loaf cool completely before frosting it.
- Once cooled, generously frost the treat.
Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread
This bread is a showstopper because it combines two classic flavors in one delightful loaf. The warmth of carrot cake meets the comforting sweetness of banana bread in a dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy! Plus, making it at home is a budget-friendly way to enjoy a gourmet treat. Forget paying exorbitant prices at fancy bakeries!
Top it with a decadent dairy-free cream cheese frosting and chopped walnuts for an extra touch of indulgence. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out our classic banana bread recipe for another comforting treat! What are you waiting for? Grab your apron and bake this beauty today!
What to Serve Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread With:
This versatile bread is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with several accompaniments. Enjoy a slice with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a comforting breakfast or afternoon snack. For a more decadent treat, serve it with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
A dollop of dairy-free yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes also makes a delightful topping.
Top Tips for Perfecting Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more moist your bread will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even black.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough, dense bread. Mix until just combined. Lumps are okay!
- Measure flour accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly from the bag. Level it off with a knife. This prevents you from using too much flour, which can make the bread dry.
- Adjust baking time as needed: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on the bread and adjust the baking time as needed. If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with foil.
- Variations. Add raisins, pineapple for extra tropical flavor.
- Nut Alternatives: If you’re allergic to walnuts or pecans, you can substitute with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a slight variation in taste. Experiment until you find your perfect mix.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
To freeze Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread, slice it into individual portions and wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen bread will keep for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw the bread at room temperature or in the refrigerator. You can also microwave individual slices for a few seconds to warm them up. For the best results, toast the bread in a toaster or toaster oven.
Final Thoughts:
This Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a recipe that deserves a spot in everyone’s baking repertoire. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings without any dairy!
Whether you’re following a dairy-free diet or simply looking for a healthier treat, this bread is a winner. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of moist, flavorful, and guilt-free happiness!
Discover more here : The Ultimate Baking Hub: Classic & Seasonal Recipes for Home Bakers
More Spooky & Delicious Recipes to Try:
- Follow us on Pinterest for more homemade recipes
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
- Baked Cheese Mummies
- Black Velvet Cheesecake Cookies
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
For a gluten-free version, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum for best results. Whole wheat flour can also be used.
Can I use oil instead of applesauce?
Yes, you can substitute the applesauce with 1/2 cup of your favorite oil, such as coconut oil or vegetable oil. However, the bread will be slightly higher in fat.
Can I add frosting?
Yes! A dairy-free cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze goes perfectly with this bread.
How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?
Grease and flour the loaf pan thoroughly before pouring in the batter. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices) 1x
Description
Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread combines the best of both worlds, moist banana bread and spiced carrot cake, without any dairy. Perfectly sweet, warmly spiced, and topped with a creamy dairy-free frosting, this loaf is a crowd-pleaser for brunch or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup dairy-free milk (almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 4 oz dairy-free cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup dairy-free butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mash ripe bananas in a large bowl until smooth, leaving a few small chunks.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Stir granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, dairy-free milk, and vanilla extract into the mashed bananas.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in shredded carrots and nuts (if using).
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake 55–65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer comes out clean.
- Let bread cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting: Beat dairy-free cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until combined. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Once bread is completely cooled, generously frost the loaf and serve.
Notes
For best results, use very ripe bananas and finely shred the carrots. Let the bread cool completely before frosting to prevent the topping from melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Happy baking