Preheat the oven to 356°F (180°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil or olive oil.
4 large very ripe bananas, 1/3 cup maple syrup, 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or olive oil
Fold in the grated carrots, cinnamon, and chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
2 large carrots, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Add the self-raising flour (or plain flour mixed with baking powder and salt) to the bowl and stir until well combined.
2 1/4 cups self-raising flour
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the optional topping, in a small bowl, combine the vegan cream cheese (or Philadelphia cream cheese), vegan vanilla yogurt (or plain yogurt or crème fraîche), maple syrup, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3 tbsp vegan cream cheese or Philadelphia cream cheese, 2 tbsp vegan vanilla yogurt, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Once the carrot cake banana bread has cooled, drizzle the topping over the loaf or spread it evenly on top. Drop some extra chopped pecans.
Slice and serve the carrot cake banana bread, and enjoy!
Note: This recipe can be made vegan by using vegan cream cheese, vegan yogurt, and maple syrup. Alternatively, you can use regular cream cheese, yogurt and honey if you prefer non-vegan options.