Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread delivers the best of both worlds—soft, naturally sweet banana bread and the cozy spice of carrot cake. It’s dairy-free, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions, and uses wholesome ingredients like applesauce, oats, and white whole wheat flour for added nutrition. The dairy-free frosting adds a luscious finish, turning this loaf into something worthy of brunch tables and dessert spreads alike.

Ingredients

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

For the bread:
1 large egg
1/2 cup applesauce
2 medium-size ripe bananas, mashed (~1 cup)
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
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
1 cup grated carrots (~2 medium, grated and excess moisture removed)

Dairy-free frosting:
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, to thin if too thick)

Optional classic frosting:
4 oz cream cheese
3 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Prepare the carrots by grating them and squeezing out the excess moisture with a cheesecloth or clean towel.

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

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg, applesauce, mashed bananas, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Stir in oats, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.

5. Add flour and gently fold until just combined.

6. Stir in grated carrots without overmixing.

7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.

8. Bake for 30 minutes, cover with foil, then bake another 10–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. While baking, prepare the frosting by beating all ingredients together until light and fluffy. Refrigerate until ready to use.

10. Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Once cool, spread frosting on top.

Servings and timing

Servings: 10 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40–50 minutes
Total time: 55–65 minutes

Variations

• Make it nutty: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch.

• Tropical twist: Stir in 1/4 cup shredded coconut for added flavor.

• Extra spice: Increase the cinnamon and ginger for a bolder spiced bread.

• No frosting: Enjoy it plain or with a drizzle of warm maple syrup for a lighter option.

• Gluten-free: Swap white whole wheat flour for a gluten-free baking blend.

Storage/Reheating

Store frosted bread in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. For freezing, wrap unfrosted slices individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or let it thaw at room temperature.

FAQs

1. Can I make this bread without eggs?

Yes, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, let sit 5 minutes) for an egg-free version.

2. Do I have to use white whole wheat flour?

No, you can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend instead.

3. Can I skip the oats?

You can omit the oats, but the texture will be slightly less hearty.

4. What if my bananas aren’t ripe?

Bake them in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes until the skins turn black, then mash.

5. Can I make muffins instead?

Yes, bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes for regular muffins or 12–15 minutes for mini muffins.

6. How do I prevent the bread from being too moist?

Make sure to squeeze excess moisture from the carrots and measure the mashed bananas accurately.

7. Can I make it sugar-free?

Use a sugar-free maple syrup alternative and omit the powdered sugar in the frosting or make a coconut cream topping.

8. What’s the best way to grate carrots?

Use a box grater or food processor with a shredding blade for evenly sized pieces.

9. Can I frost the bread while it’s warm?

It’s best to wait until it’s fully cooled to prevent the frosting from melting.

10. Can I use store-bought dairy-free frosting?

Yes, a good quality dairy-free store-bought frosting works fine if you prefer convenience.

Conclusion

This Dairy Free Carrot Cake Banana Bread is a delightful hybrid of two classic treats, perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. With its tender crumb, warm spices, and creamy dairy-free frosting, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again—whether you’re serving a crowd or simply treating yourself.

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