Carrot Banana Bread with Walnuts & Cottage Cheese

Moist carrot banana bread with cottage cheese, walnuts & maple syrup—perfect for a healthy breakfast or snack.

There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of fresh banana bread wafting through the house. But this Carrot Banana Bread with Walnuts & Cottage Cheese takes your average banana loaf to a whole new level. Think of it as the love child between your favorite banana bread and a classic moist carrot cake. It’s soft, flavorful, subtly sweet, and packed with wholesome ingredients that make it perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a light dessert. With a moist crumb, warm spices, and crunchy walnuts, every bite delivers an irresistible mix of texture and flavor.

This healthy recipe is also an excellent way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. The addition of blended cottage cheese creates a moist, protein-rich base that eliminates the need for a lot of oil or butter, while grated carrots sneak in extra nutrition and a natural sweetness. Whether you’re baking for Mother’s Day, meal prepping for the next day, or just looking for a new carrot banana bread recipe to add to your rotation, this one’s a winner.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to applesauce, mashed bananas, and blended cottage cheese, this soft banana carrot bread is never dry. It has the richness of moist carrot cake without being overly sweet or heavy.
• Healthier Ingredients: With less oil and less sugar, this loaf makes for a healthy breakfast or afternoon snack. The recipe includes nutrient-packed carrots, bananas, and walnuts—a great way to sneak in fiber and healthy fats.
• Easy to Make: You only need two bowls—a separate bowl for the dry ingredients and a large mixing bowl for the wet. No stand mixer required—just a whisk, a spatula, and a prepared loaf pan.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you serve it warm from the oven or enjoy it the next day, it’s ideal for brunch, snack boxes, or even as a light dessert topped with a dollop of yogurt or nut butter.

---

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need for this delicious carrot banana loaf:

• 2 bananas, mashed: Use overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture. A potato masher works great here!
• 2 large carrots, grated: Use a cheese grater or opt for pre-shredded carrots from the grocery store to save time.
• 1/2 cup applesauce: Unsweetened is best—this helps cut down on added sugar while keeping the loaf soft.
• 1/2 cup sugar & 1/4 cup maple syrup: A balanced mix of refined and natural sweeteners gives the perfect sweetness without overpowering the carrot cake flavors.
• 1 cup cottage cheese, blended: Blending makes it smooth and creamy, adding protein and moisture. Make sure it’s at room temperature.
• 2 eggs: Large eggs help bind the batter and contribute to a fluffy texture.
• 1 cup flour: Use all-purpose flour for a classic texture, or substitute with whole wheat flour or oat flour for added nutrition.
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped: Adds a satisfying crunch and healthy fats. You can also try golden raisins, flax seeds, or coconut flakes for variety.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon salt: These pantry staples bring balance, lift, and flavor.

---

How to Make This Carrot Banana Bread Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line your prepared loaf pan with parchment paper or coat it with cooking spray.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir well and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mash your bananas using a potato masher. Add the eggs, sugar, applesauce, blended cottage cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth using a whisk or hand mixer on medium speed.
4. Fold in the grated carrots and chopped walnuts.
5. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix—this helps keep your moist banana bread light and fluffy.
6. Pour batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top of the bread.
7. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the whole loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

---

How to Store Your Banana Carrot Bread

To keep your carrot banana loaf fresh and delicious:

• Room temperature: Wrap the whole loaf in plastic wrap or foil, or store slices in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container. It should last up to a week.
• Freezer: This loaf freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices in a toaster oven.

---

More Baked Goods to Try

---

Tips for Making the Best Carrot Banana Bread

• Use ripe bananas: The darker, the better. They add moisture and natural sweetness.
• Blend the cottage cheese: This step is key to a smooth texture—no lumps!
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until you don’t see dry flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Customize it: Add-ins like golden raisins, flax seeds, or even chocolate chips make great additions.
• Check doneness: Ovens vary, so test with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Cool before slicing: Let the bread cool on a wire rack so it sets properly and doesn’t fall apart.

This carrot cake banana bread recipe is one of those quick breads you’ll want to make on repeat. It’s a great way to use up kitchen staples while delivering the nostalgic comfort of banana bread—with a wholesome twist. Whether it’s your first time baking with cottage cheese or you’re looking for similar recipes, this loaf is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

---

Frequently Asked Questions