Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, fall-inspired treat that fills your kitchen with warmth and wonderful aromas, look no further! This Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread. The combination of pumpkin and ripe bananas creates a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It’s one of those recipes that makes your heart feel full, especially when shared with loved ones.
What I love most about this pumpkin banana bread is its versatility. It’s not just a snack; it can easily be dressed up as a dessert or enjoyed as a breakfast treat. Plus, the ingredients are simple, making it easy to whip up whenever you have some overripe bananas and pumpkin puree on hand!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have this delicious bread ready to bake in no time!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet flavors of pumpkin and banana.
- Perfect for Fall: Embrace the season with this warm, spiced loaf that captures all the autumn vibes.
- Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ingredients ensures every slice is soft, tender, and bursting with flavor.
- Make Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance to enjoy throughout the week or share with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple and wholesome ingredients for your pumpkin banana bread. You likely have many of them already in your pantry!
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
This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:
- Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
- Chocolate Twist: Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet touch that pairs beautifully with pumpkin and banana.
- Dried Fruit Delight: Consider adding raisins or dried cranberries for added texture and sweetness.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the flavor profile even more!
How to Make Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your bread bakes evenly from the moment you put it in. While it’s heating up, spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or grease and flour it.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential because mixing the dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents evenly throughout your batter.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, stir together the brown sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and mashed bananas using a wooden spoon or spatula—feel free to use an electric mixer if you prefer! The goal here is to mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, stir in the eggs and vanilla extract into your wet mixture until fully incorporated. These ingredients add richness to your bread while enhancing its flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now it’s time to mix in your dry ingredients! Gently fold them into the wet mixture until just combined—be careful not to overmix. This will help keep your bread tender.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As it bakes, enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your home!
Step 7: Cool Down
Once baked, let your pumpkin banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing it to slice. Savor each bite as you share this delightful treat with family or enjoy it all by yourself!
Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe
Baking is both an art and a science, and with these pro tips, you can elevate your pumpkin banana bread to perfection!
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Use overripe bananas: The sweeter and softer the bananas, the more flavor they will impart to your bread. Overripe bananas are also easier to mash, creating a smoother batter.
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Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Stir just until combined; it’s okay if there are a few lumps left. This will keep your bread light and fluffy.
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Check for doneness with a toothpick: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your bread at 40 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done!
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Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the bread to rest in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps maintain moisture, ensuring every slice is tender and delicious.
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Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor. Just keep an eye on the overall moisture content in the recipe when adding additional ingredients.
How to Serve Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe
Serving your pumpkin banana bread can be as fun as baking it! Here are some delightful ideas that will make your dish stand out at any gathering.
Garnishes
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Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of sweetness and makes your loaf look irresistible.
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Maple syrup drizzle: A drizzle of maple syrup not only enhances the dish’s flavor but also adds a beautiful shine that makes it visually appealing.
Side Dishes
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Cream cheese spread: Pair slices of your pumpkin banana bread with a smooth cream cheese spread for a rich and tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the bread.
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Fresh fruit platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, or berries provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the bread.
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Warm spiced tea: A cup of warm spiced tea pairs wonderfully, enhancing the cozy flavors of cinnamon and pumpkin in your banana bread.
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Nutty granola: Serve alongside crunchy nutty granola for breakfast or brunch. It adds texture and makes for a satisfying meal when combined with yogurt or milk.
Enjoy every bite of this delightful pumpkin banana bread recipe! Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this moist treat is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious slices throughout the week. Whether you want to make it ahead or save some for later, these tips will help you keep your bread fresh and flavorful.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the bread to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
- Wrap cooled banana bread slices individually in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date so you can keep track of freshness!
Reheating
- To reheat, simply place slices in a toaster or toaster oven until warm.
- Alternatively, use a microwave: heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds per slice.
- Enjoy with a pat of vegan butter or your favorite spread!
FAQs
Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe:
Can I use ripe bananas for this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas work best because they add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
How can I make this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe healthier?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly. Adding nuts or seeds can also increase its nutritional value.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, but make sure to cook and thoroughly puree the fresh pumpkin to achieve a smooth texture similar to canned puree.
What other spices can I add to this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe?
Feel free to experiment by adding nutmeg, cloves, or even ginger for an extra flavor kick!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy baking this Pumpkin Banana Bread; it truly embodies the cozy flavors of fall! Its moist texture and delightful taste make it perfect for sharing with family and friends during those crisp autumn days. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe—I’m sure it’ll become a new favorite! Happy baking!
Pumpkin Banana Bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the warm, inviting flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe. This moist loaf seamlessly combines the sweetness of ripe bananas and the earthy richness of pumpkin puree, creating a comforting treat perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup pumpkin puree
- 2 overripe bananas
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, vegetable oil, pumpkin puree, and mashed bananas until creamy.
- Stir in eggs and vanilla until well combined.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cooling for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (65g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
