Rustic Carrot-Banana Bread is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that brings together the natural sweetness of bananas, the earthiness of carrots, and the warm spice of cinnamon. This bread is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for breakfast, a snack, or even a healthy dessert. With ingredients that cater to various dietary preferences, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let’s dive into this wholesome treat!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ cups flour (gluten-free if preferred)
- 2 teaspoons ground flax seed
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 3 whole bananas, mashed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil
- ½ cup orange juice plus zest
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
Fold-in Ingredients
- 1 cup carrots, grated
- ¾ cup rolled oats
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a loaf pan with grease or line it with parchment paper to make removing the bread easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, ground flax seed, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Combine these ingredients and whisk them together until they are thoroughly mixed.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the maple syrup, mashed bananas, olive oil (or coconut oil), orange juice, orange zest, and minced ginger. Stir until all wet ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the bread.
- Fold in Additional Ingredients: Gently fold in the grated carrots, rolled oats, and chopped walnuts. Ensure that these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour into Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Next, place it on a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing.
Conclusion
Rustic Carrot-Banana Bread is a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful treat. The combination of bananas, carrots, and a hint of ginger creates a unique and satisfying flavor profile. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a spread of butter, this bread is a versatile addition to any meal. Its wholesome ingredients make it a guilt-free indulgence that you can feel good about sharing with family and friends. Enjoy this rustic bread with a cup of tea or coffee, and savor the comforting taste of homemade goodness.