Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe is just what you need. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as this delightful loaf bakes. With the perfect blend of pumpkin and banana, it’s a comforting dessert that brightens up busy weeknights or family gatherings. Everyone loves a slice (or two!), and it’s so easy to whip up that you’ll find yourself making it again and again!

This recipe is special to me because it combines two of my favorite flavors—pumpkin and banana—into one moist, delicious loaf. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. You can serve it warm with a pat of butter or enjoy it as a sweet snack throughout the day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe comes together in just about an hour, making it perfect for busy days.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this sweet, spiced bread. It’s a hit at any gathering!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance, let it cool, then wrap it up for the week. It stays fresh for days!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pumpkin and banana creates a rich, moist bread that’s bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe are simple and wholesome. You likely have many of them in your pantry already! Let’s gather everything we need to create this delightful loaf.

For the Bread

• 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (200g) packed brown sugar
• ½ cup (119g) vegetable oil
• ¾ cup (180g) pumpkin puree
• 2 medium overripe bananas
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Chocolate chips: Mix in some dairy-free chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness.
• Swap the spices: If you love other spices, try adding nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor twist.
• Make it vegan: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based oil to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

How to Make Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because you want your bread to bake evenly from start to finish. While your oven heats up, grab your trusty 9×5-inch loaf pan and spray it with nonstick cooking spray or give it a good greasing and flouring.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout your batter. This step helps create that perfect rise!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the brown sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and mashed bananas. You can use a wooden spoon or spatula—or even an electric mixer if you prefer! Mixing these ingredients well will help develop the sweet flavors that make this bread so irresistible.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, stir in the eggs and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. These ingredients add richness and moisture to our bread. Don’t skip on mixing; it’s important for creating that lovely texture!

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to gently fold in those whisked dry ingredients into your wet mixture. Stir until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense bread instead of fluffy goodness!

Step 6: Bake Your Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Pop it in the oven for about 40-50 minutes. Be sure to check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, you’re ready for the next step!

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack—or simply slice it right from the pan if you can’t wait! Enjoy each slice warm or at room temperature; either way, it’s bound to delight!

Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

Baking is all about finding the right balance, and with these tips, your pumpkin banana bread will turn out perfectly every time!

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. They also help create that deliciously moist texture everyone loves.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Stir just until the dry ingredients are combined to keep it light and fluffy.

• Check for doneness early: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your bread at 40 minutes. If a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

• Let it cool completely: While it’s tempting to slice into your warm bread right away, allowing it to cool completely helps enhance its flavor and texture.

• Store properly: Keep your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness. You can also freeze slices for up to three months!

How to Serve Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

Pumpkin banana bread is not only delightful on its own but can also be presented in various creative ways to impress your family and friends!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some walnuts or pecans on top before baking for added crunch and flavor.
• Cream cheese spread: A dollop of non-dairy cream cheese spread elevates the taste and adds a creamy texture that complements the sweetness of the bread.
• Maple syrup drizzle: A light drizzle of maple syrup on top gives a sweet finish that enhances the autumn vibes.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples and pears balances out the richness of the banana bread.
• Yogurt parfait: Layering dairy-free yogurt with granola and fresh berries creates a deliciously healthy accompaniment.
• Herbal tea: A warm cup of herbal tea, such as chamomile or ginger, pairs wonderfully with pumpkin banana bread, making it a cozy treat.
• Nut butter: Serve with almond or cashew butter on the side for a satisfying protein boost that complements the flavors beautifully.

Enjoy this delightful pumpkin banana bread recipe any time of year, but especially during those cozy fall days!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you have leftover slices, consider wrapping them individually in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a zip-top freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For easier thawing, slice the bread before freezing so you can take out only what you need.

Reheating

• To reheat slices, simply pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:

Can I use other spices in this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger alongside the pumpkin pie spice for a unique flavor twist.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Banana Bread is done baking?

Check by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your Pumpkin Banana Bread is ready!

Can I substitute the eggs in this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe?

Yes! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for an egg-free version that still tastes great.

What if I don’t have pumpkin puree?

You can use homemade pumpkin puree or even substitute it with applesauce; just keep in mind it will slightly alter the flavor and texture.

How should I serve the Pumpkin Banana Bread?

This bread is delicious on its own but serves beautifully with a smear of vegan butter or cream cheese alternative!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe brings warmth and joy to your kitchen this fall! Its moist texture and delightful flavors make it a special treat that everyone will love. Enjoy making this comforting loaf and share it with friends or family—it’s sure to become a favorite. Happy baking!