Dairy-Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas and grated carrots ensures a moist texture and rich flavor.

• Healthier Twist: By using applesauce and maple syrup, this bread offers a healthier alternative to traditional recipes.

• Versatile: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or even a light dessert.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 cup applesauce

• 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (approximately 1 cup)

• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup quick oats

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup white whole wheat flour

• 1 cup grated carrots (about 2 medium carrots), excess moisture removed

For the Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional):

• 1/3 cup dairy-free cream cheese

• 1/3 cup dairy-free butter

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon dairy-free milk (optional, to adjust consistency)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Carrots: Grate the carrots and squeeze out any excess moisture using a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel.

2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, applesauce, mashed bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the quick oats, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, salt, and white whole wheat flour.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

6. Add Carrots: Fold in the grated carrots gently, being careful not to overmix.

7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 30 minutes. Then, cover the pan with foil and continue baking for an additional 10-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare Frosting (Optional): While the bread is cooling, beat together the dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and cinnamon until smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add dairy-free milk a tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

10. Frost and Serve: Once the bread has cooled, spread the frosting on top. Slice and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 10 slices

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 40-50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to make the bread vegan-friendly.

• Add-ins: Incorporate raisins, walnuts, or shredded coconut for added texture and flavor.

• Spices: Adjust the spice levels by adding a pinch of cloves or allspice for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bread (unfrosted) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight.

• Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a toaster oven until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular whole wheat flour instead of white whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can substitute regular whole wheat flour, but the bread may have a denser texture.

2. How do I remove excess moisture from the grated carrots?

Place the grated carrots in a cheesecloth or clean kitchen towel, gather the ends, and squeeze out the moisture until the carrots are dry.

3. Can I make this bread without the frosting?

Absolutely! The bread is delicious on its own without the frosting.

4. Is this recipe suitable for those with nut allergies?

Yes, this recipe is nut-free. Ensure that the dairy-free butter and cream cheese used are also nut-free.

5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar, but this may alter the flavor slightly.

6. How can I make this bread gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the white whole wheat flour.

7. Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the batter?

Yes, you can fold in nuts like walnuts

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