Go Back

Caramelized Banana Carrot Cake

A moist and tender carrot cake topped with caramelized bananas, perfect for families and healthy dessert lovers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 370
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled (or 1:1 gluten-free flour) Use gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 tsp fine salt
  • 0.5 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil Both options work well.
  • 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream Coconut yogurt can be used for dairy-free.
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1.5 cups grated carrots, packed About 3 medium carrots.
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas) Use very ripe bananas for best results.
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted and cooled (optional) Optional for texture.
  • 0.5 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional) Can be omitted or substituted.
For the Caramelized Bananas
  • 2 ripe bananas, halved lengthwise or sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
  • 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch fine salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting (optional)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 to 2 tbsp milk To thin to desired consistency.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch pan and line with parchment.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl.
Mix Wet Ingredients
  1. In another bowl, whisk brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs until smooth.
  2. Add oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla; whisk until combined.
Combine and Add Produce
  1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix and gently fold until nearly combined.
  2. Fold in the grated carrots, mashed bananas, nuts, and raisins.
Bake
  1. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  2. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Prepare Caramelized Bananas
  1. In a medium skillet, melt butter with brown sugar and cinnamon over medium heat.
  2. Add banana halves and cook until golden and glossy, about 1 to 2 minutes per side.
Make the Frosting
  1. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beat until silky. Add milk if necessary.
Assemble and Cool
  1. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  2. Spread cream cheese frosting and arrange warm caramelized bananas on top.
Serve
  1. Let the cake rest 15 minutes before slicing. Chill for cleaner slices.

Notes

For a lighter version, replace half the oil with unsweetened applesauce. Store in an airtight container, refrigerated for up to 4 days.