If you adore cozy, moist quick breads with a hint of spice, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, comforting flavor of pumpkin puree, it delivers a tender crumb studded with fall spices that perfectly complement each other. This loaf is not only easy to make but also brings a vibrant orange hue and a delightful aroma to your kitchen, making it an irresistible treat for breakfast, a snack, or even a comforting dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each adding its own magic to the Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe. From the creamy texture of mashed bananas to the warm spices that make every bite sing, every item plays a key role in creating this delicious loaf.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas: Provides natural sweetness and moisture for a soft texture.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: Adds vibrant color and tender crumb with earthy flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter and create structure.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender; you can substitute half with applesauce for lighter results.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings deep caramel hints enhancing the fall flavors.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with browning.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread giving it body and chew.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the bread for a soft rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Supports the light texture and helps with lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides warm, classic spice notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds sweet and nutty undertones.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a subtle zing to the spice mix.
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves: Gives depth with its aromatic and slightly sweet bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a lovely sweetness and rounds out the spices.
- Optional 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips: Adds delightful crunch or melty bursts of chocolate for extra indulgence.
How to Make Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure your Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, both the brown and granulated sugars, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth, luscious mixture. This blend is where your bread gets its moisture and sweet foundation.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the blend of warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These dry ingredients create the structure and iconic flavor of the bread.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Overmixing could toughen your bread, so stir with care to maintain a tender crumb. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in at this point for that extra texture and flavor burst.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top evenly. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the texture to finish perfectly.
How to Serve Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple slice of this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe is heavenly on its own, but a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey can elevate it even further. For a decadent touch, spread some cream cheese frosting or a light dusting of powdered sugar to add a little sweetness and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot cocoa. For a fuller breakfast, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or Greek yogurt with honey and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness and add protein to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling creative? Turn your Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe into delightful mini muffins for easy sharing or pack slices with nut butter for an on-the-go snack. You might also toast slices lightly and top with smashed avocado or nut butter for a fun sweet-savory twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover slices wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps preserve the bread’s moistness and fresh flavors, so you can enjoy each bite as if it were freshly baked.
Freezing
To make your Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe last longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before enjoying this spiced treat again.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave to bring back that freshly baked feel. A quick 15 to 20 seconds in the microwave softens the bread and melts any added toppings, making it taste even more comforting.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree your fresh pumpkin well and strain out excess moisture so your bread maintains the right consistency and texture.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil in this recipe?
You can replace half or all of the vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter loaf, or use melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical note that complements the spices beautifully.
Is this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum to achieve a similar texture and keep it gluten-free.
How ripe should my bananas be?
The riper, the better! Bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect because they are sweeter and blend more smoothly, boosting flavor and moisture.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Yes, they’re a wonderful addition! Walnuts add crunch, while chocolate chips melt into gooey pockets of sweetness — feel free to customize your Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Its balance of sweet bananas, earthy pumpkin, and cozy spices creates a loaf that’s irresistible any time of day. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary banana bread. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the magic of baking this delightful bread with love.
Print
Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful Pumpkin Banana Bread combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich pumpkin puree and warm autumn spices, perfect for breakfast or a comforting snack.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves ensuring an even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If desired, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to add texture and flavor.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes to firm up. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This bread tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.
- For a lighter version, substitute applesauce for half of the oil.
- Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
