Description
A wholesome and moist Healthy Oatmeal Carrot Cake Loaf made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and shredded carrots, sweetened naturally with maple syrup, and topped with a creamy vanilla yogurt and cream cheese frosting. Perfect for a nutritious breakfast or a guilt-free dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Loaf Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 tsp baking powder
- pinch salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 medium carrot, finely shredded
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Frosting Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 tbsp vanilla yogurt
- 1 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (175℃). Line an 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Blend main batter: In a blender or food processor, add the ripe bananas, eggs, rolled oats, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Pulse until the mixture becomes mostly smooth, ensuring even texture and batter consistency.
- Mix in carrots and walnuts: Transfer the blended batter to a bowl and gently fold in the finely shredded carrot and chopped walnuts using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the loaf: Pour the prepared batter into the lined loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let it set in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare frosting: In a small bowl, whisk together the room temperature cream cheese, vanilla yogurt, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the cooled loaf: Once the loaf has completely cooled, spread the prepared frosting evenly over the top. Garnish with some crushed walnuts for added texture and presentation.
Notes
- The oats provide a great gluten-free option if certified gluten-free oats are used.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- Ensure the loaf has fully cooled before frosting to prevent melting the cream cheese mixture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a sweeter loaf, you can increase maple syrup slightly, but the bananas add natural sweetness already.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: healthy oatmeal loaf, carrot cake loaf, gluten free carrot bread, banana carrot bread, healthy breakfast loaf, cream cheese frosting loaf
