Sweet Tea Carrot Cake Banana Bread
Sweet tea carrot cake banana bread with a delicious cream cheese frosting is perfect for the holidays or any time of the year.
It’s time to roll up your sweater sleeves, tie on an apron, and preheat the oven—baking season has officially begun!
I live in the South where sweet tea is everything so I love to see how I can incorporate it into some of my holiday baking favorites. Carrot cake banana bread with delicious cream cheese frosting is a classic in every respect and perfect for gift-giving…or eating for every meal until you can’t eat it anymore.
A Secret Ingredient for Carrot Cake Banana Bread
The newest recipe in my sweet holiday treat arsenal is this Carrot Cake Banana Bread. It has a secret ingredient that will probably leave you with your jaw on the floor. What is it?
Sweet tea.
Yep. That’s right. Instead of the vanilla extract my carrot cake banana bread recipe calls for, I substitute it with sweet tea. I like Milo’s Sweet Tea best. 🙂
Sweet tea brings a delicious flavor to my carrot banana bread.
Toothpick Baking Tip!
When baking, use a toothpick to check if your cake or muffins are done. Insert it into the center, and if it comes out clean, your baked goods are ready; if there’s batter or crumbs, they need more time in the oven.
Ingredients for Sweet Tea Carrot Cake Banana Bread
SWEET TEA CARROT CAKE BANANA BREAD:
- Sweet Tea: Infused liquid with a sweet flavor.
- Butter: Creamy dairy fat used for richness and flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetener with a rich, caramel-like taste.
- White Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness.
- Eggs: Used for binding and moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Versatile flour for structure.
- Baking Soda: Leavening agent for rising.
- Salt: Enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
- Bananas: Sweet and creamy fruit for flavor and moisture.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Ginger, Allspice: Spices for added flavor and warmth.
- Shredded Carrots: Fresh carrots grated for texture and sweetness.
CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:
- Butter: Creamy dairy fat for richness and texture.
- Cream Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese for a smooth and tangy frosting.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetener in powdered form, used for sweetness and texture.
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Chopped Pecans: Crunchy, nutty topping for added texture and flavor.
- Shredded Carrots: Additional carrot shreds for a garnish and extra visual appeal.
Equipment Needed for Sweet Tea Bread
- 2 8×4 loaf pans
- baking spray
- large mixing bowl
- hand mixer or stand mixer
- toothpicks
- frosting spatula
- bread knife
Get and Print the Recipe
Sweet Tea Carrot Cake Banana Bread
Ingredients
Sweet Tea Carrot Cake Banana Bread:
- 2 tsp sweet tea I used Milo's
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 mashed bananas overripe bananas work best
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp allspice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Optional Toppings:
- chopped pecans
- chopped shredded carrots
Instructions
Sweet Tea Carrot Cake Banana Bread:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray two 8x4 pans with non-stick baking spray.
- In a large bowl with hand mixer or a stand mixer, cream butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add eggs and sweet tea. Beat until well combined.
- Add flour, baking soda, and all spices to the batter. Mix until combined.
- Add carrots, mix well, then add mashed bananas.
- Pour batter evenly into pans. Bake both pans together for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. If baking one loaf at a time, bake for 25-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let fully cool.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- Cream butter and cream cheese together until light and fluffy. Add powdered sugar. Mix until well combined.
- Frost each cooled loaf, topping with chopped pecans and carrots.
- Slice and serve! Refrigerate leftovers (if there are any). 🙂
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For 16 years, I have been the creator & full-time blogger of Mom Spark. I’ve also created content for numerous outlets such as Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, & Huff Post.