Carrot Cake Banana Bread (Gluten-Free, High-Protein & Naturally Sweetened)

Looking for a nourishing twist on two classic favorites? This Carrot Cake Banana Bread combines the cozy, spiced vibes of carrot cake with the soft, satisfying texture of banana bread—all topped with a dreamy cream cheese icing and a pecan crunch.

It’s gluten-free, made with oat flour and naturally sweetened with maple syrup and ripe bananas. With added collagen for a protein boost, this loaf is nourishing enough for breakfast and satisfying enough for dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• 🥕 Seasonal + Nourishing – Perfect for spring, and a great way to use up carrots and spotty bananas.
• 🍞 Soft & Fluffy Texture – Thanks to mashed banana and oat flour.
• 💪 Protein-Packed – Collagen powder adds a subtle boost without changing the taste.
• ❄️ Meal-Prep Friendly – Make once and enjoy all week long.

Ingredients:

✨ Wet Ingredients:

-2 ripe bananas, mashed

-2 eggs

-¼ cup coconut oil, melted

-¼ cup maple syrup

-1 tsp vanilla extract

✨ Dry Ingredients:

-1 ½ cups oat flour

-½ cup collagen powder

-1 tsp baking soda

-1 tsp cinnamon

-½ tsp ground ginger

-¼ tsp salt

✨Mix-ins:

-1 cup grated carrots

-½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

-¼ cup raisins or shredded coconut (optional)

✨ Optional Cream Cheese Icing:

-4 oz cream cheese, softened

-2 tbsp Greek yogurt

-1–2 tbsp powdered sugar (adjust to taste)

-½ tsp vanilla extract

-almond milk (1 tsp at a time, to desired consistency)

Instructions:

🧁 1. Prep Your Pan & Oven:
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

🍌 2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, mash the bananas and whisk in eggs, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Stir in the grated carrots.

🌾 3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together oat flour, collagen powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and salt.

🥄 4. Mix it All Together:

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in any mix-ins like pecans, raisins, or coconut flakes.

🍞 5. Bake:

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

✨ Tip: If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes.

❄️ 6. Cool & Ice (Optional):

Let the loaf cool completely. Mix the icing ingredients until smooth and spreadable, thinning with almond milk as needed. Spread over the cooled loaf and sprinkle with extra nuts or coconut flakes if desired.

🔪 7. Slice & Enjoy!

Cut into thick slices and serve warm or chilled—your call!

✨ Recipe Notes:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• For a dairy-free option, skip the icing or use a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
• Make it your own by adding crushed pineapple, orange zest, or a dash of nutmeg for extra flavor.

Save this for when your bananas are spotty + your carrots are hanging in the crisper drawer. 😉 If you try this recipe, tag me on Instagram @theglowgirlwellness. I’d love to see your baking creations! 📸💖

Are you Team Carrot Cake or Team Banana Bread?