Banana Bread Carrot Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting

Banana Bread Carrot Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate hybrid dessert—moist, flavorful, and packed with the best parts of two beloved classics. This cake combines the rich, tender texture of banana bread with the spiced depth of carrot cake, all topped with a velvety, tangy vanilla cream cheese frosting. It’s a perfect dessert for holidays, brunches, or just because.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is soft, moist, and bursting with warm spices, sweet bananas, and shredded carrots. The combination delivers a comforting depth of flavor, and the cream cheese frosting adds a sweet, tangy finish that ties it all together. Whether you’re a fan of banana bread or carrot cake, you’ll love this unique and crowd-pleasing mash-up. It’s also easy to make and great for making ahead.

ingredients

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

For the Cake:

• Ripe bananas (mashed)
• Shredded carrots
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Eggs
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable oil or melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• Raisins or crushed pineapple (optional for carrot cake flavor)

For the Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting:

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, shredded carrots, eggs, sugars, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in nuts, raisins, or pineapple if using.
6. Pour batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes (for 9×13) or 30–35 minutes (for round pans), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Let cool completely before frosting.

To Make the Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy.
2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until creamy and well combined.
3. Spread frosting evenly over the cooled cake.
4. Garnish with extra nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12–16 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Cool time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, and use vegan cream cheese and butter.
• Spicier: Add ground ginger or cardamom for deeper spice.
• Layer Cake: Bake in two or three 8-inch pans and layer with frosting in between.
• Cupcakes: Pour batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 20–22 minutes.

storage/reheating

Store the frosted cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
To freeze, wrap unfrosted cake tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and frost before serving.

FAQs

Can I use only bananas or only carrots?

Yes, but the combination gives this cake its unique flavor and texture. Adjust moisture and sweetness if using only one.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be baked a day or two in advance and stored unfrosted. Frost just before serving.

What’s the best way to shred carrots?

Use a box grater or food processor. Finely shredded carrots work best for even texture.

Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind it also affects moisture and flavor.

What kind of bananas should I use?

Use overripe bananas with brown spots for the best sweetness and moisture.

Is the frosting too sweet?

The vanilla cream cheese frosting is balanced with tang from the cream cheese, but you can adjust the sugar to taste.

Can I make this into muffins?

Yes, fill muffin tins ¾ full and bake for 20–22 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Do I have to use nuts or raisins?

No, these are optional. The cake is delicious on its own but can be customized to your preference.

How do I make the frosting smoother?

Make sure the cream cheese and butter are fully softened before beating, and sift powdered sugar if lumpy.

Can I add coconut?

Yes, shredded coconut (unsweetened or sweetened) adds great texture and flavor—fold it into the batter before baking.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Carrot Cake with Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting is the ultimate fusion dessert—moist, spiced, and irresistibly flavorful. With its tender crumb and luscious frosting, it’s perfect for any celebration or cozy weekend baking project. Once you try this mash-up, it just might become your new favorite go-to cake.

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