Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread

This Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread is the perfect blend of moist, fluffy goodness with a delightful twist on traditional banana bread. It’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack any time of the day. The combination of carrots and bananas makes it both nutritious and satisfying, while the dairy-free cream cheese frosting adds an extra layer of deliciousness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of bananas and grated carrots keeps this bread incredibly moist while adding natural sweetness.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or a breakfast option. It pairs well with coffee or tea!
• Healthy Twist: With no dairy and wholesome ingredients, you can indulge without compromising your health goals.
• Freezable Delight: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze it for later enjoyment—simply frost when ready to serve!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything ready will save you time and effort.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Loaf pan (9 x 5)
• Grater
• Hand mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients without mess.
• Loaf pan: Provides the perfect shape for your banana bread, ensuring even baking.
• Hand mixer: Makes it easy to whip up the frosting until it’s light and fluffy.

Ingredients

This Carrot Cake Banana Bread is dairy-free, moist, fluffy, and puts a nice twist on traditional banana bread!

Wet Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 2 medium-size ripe bananas, mashed (~1 cup)
• ⅓ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 3/4 cup quick oats
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup white whole wheat flour

Additional Ingredients

• 1 cup grated carrots (~2 medium, grated and excess moisture removed)
• 1/3 Cup Dairy Free Cream Cheese
• 1/3 Cup Dairy Free Butter
• 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 Tsp Maple Syrup
• 1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp Dairy Free Milk (Optional!) (Add this if your frosting is too thick)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Carrots

Make sure to grate your carrots finely. After grating them:
* Place them in cheesecloth or a clean kitchen towel.
* Squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly so that your bread doesn’t become soggy.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven temperature to 350ºF (175ºC).

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Add the egg, applesauce, mashed bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Whisk together until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the following dry ingredients into the bowl:
1. Quick oats
2. Baking soda
3. Ground cinnamon
4. Ground ginger
5. Ground nutmeg
6. Salt

Gently stir until combined.

Step 5: Fold in Flour

Carefully spoon in the white whole wheat flour:
– Gently fold it into the mixture until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Add Carrots

Stir in the grated carrots until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan:
– Spread it evenly across the pan.
– Bake for 30 minutes uncovered.
– Cover with foil and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare Frosting While Baking

In a small bowl:
– Combine dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free butter, powdered sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract.
– Beat together using a hand mixer until light and fluffy. Store in the fridge until ready to use.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Once baked:
– Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.

Step 10: Frost Your Bread

Once fully cooled:
– Spread your prepared frosting over the top of the banana bread.

Store any leftover bread in a covered container in the fridge for up to seven days or freeze unfrosted slices for up to three months! Enjoy this delightful Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread anytime!

How to Serve Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread

This Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it in various ways, making it suitable for breakfast, dessert, or a snack throughout the day.

Toasted with Nut Butter

• Spread your favorite nut butter on warm slices for a protein boost and added creaminess.

Topped with Fresh Fruits

• Add sliced bananas or berries on top for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

With a Drizzle of Honey or Maple Syrup

• A light drizzle enhances sweetness and complements the spices in the bread perfectly.

As a Dessert Sandwich

• Use two slices with your choice of dairy-free frosting in between for a delightful dessert treat.

Served with Coconut Whipped Cream

• Top with coconut whipped cream for a light and fluffy addition that pairs wonderfully with the cake’s flavors.

With Herbal Tea or Coffee

• Enjoy a slice alongside your favorite herbal tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.

How to Perfect Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Achieving the perfect Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread takes some skill. Here are tips to ensure your bread comes out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing flavor.
• Grate Carrots Finely: Finely grated carrots blend seamlessly into the batter, ensuring even distribution and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients together to keep the bread fluffy; overmixing can lead to dense bread.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the center is fully cooked; it should come out clean when done.
• Cool Properly: Letting the bread cool in the pan before transferring helps maintain its shape and texture.
• Adjust Sweetness as Needed: If you prefer sweeter bread, feel free to add more maple syrup or sweetener before baking.

Best Side Dishes for Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Pairing this delightful bread with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the bread.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer dairy-free yogurt with granola and fruits for a nutritious side that complements the cake.
3. Chia Seed Pudding: This creamy yet light pudding offers a delightful contrast in texture while remaining dairy-free.
4. Nutty Granola Bars: Chewy granola bars provide an excellent crunchy counterpart to soft banana bread.
5. Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with seeds, nuts, and fruits makes for an energizing addition.
6. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad drizzled with vinegar adds brightness that pairs well with rich flavors.
7. Herb-Infused Rice: Lightly seasoned rice with herbs can act as a savory side dish that balances sweetness.
8. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted veggies brings color and nutrition, complementing your meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls will help you achieve the best results with your Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the bread dense. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
• Ignoring carrot preparation: Not removing excess moisture from grated carrots can lead to a soggy bread. Always squeeze out extra liquid before adding them.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can affect the texture and flavor. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.
• Skipping the oven preheating: Baking in an unheated oven can alter baking times and lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven before baking.
• Frosting while bread is warm: Spreading frosting on warm bread can cause it to melt away. Allow your bread to cool completely before applying frosting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
• Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness.

Freezing Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread

• Freeze un-frosted slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Label each package with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350ºF, wrap slices in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and toast lightly for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread:

Can I substitute other sweeteners?

Yes, you can use honey or agave syrup instead of maple syrup if you prefer.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the white whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in walnuts, pecans, or raisins for added texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have quick oats?

You can use rolled oats instead; just ensure they are finely chopped if necessary.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

This Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread is not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize it by adding nuts or different spices to suit your taste. Enjoy it for breakfast or as a delightful snack any time of day!