If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of fall wrapped into one delicious, moist loaf, then this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the cozy spices and smooth richness of pumpkin purée, this bread brings a lovely balance of taste and texture that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy afternoon treat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just looking for a simple, wholesome recipe to impress friends and family, this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe promises an irresistible aroma and flavor that everyone will fall in love with.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, not just in flavor but in texture and color. From the tender crumb created by the flour and baking agents to the rich spices that define the fall character, every element is vital to crafting the perfect Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and softness when combined properly.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and keeps it light and airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds extra lift for a fluffier texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warm, sweet spice that’s classic in pumpkin recipes.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy sweetness and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a hint of warm spice that complements cinnamon perfectly.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Gives the bread just the right amount of sweetness.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses note for rich flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Ensures tenderness and adds a buttery richness.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to a soft, moist texture.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas): Offers natural sweetness and moisture for that perfect banana bread essence.
- 3/4 cup pumpkin purée: Brings vibrant color and a mild, earthy flavor that’s essential to the Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle, sweet aroma.
How to Make Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which makes sure it’s perfect for even baking. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, so your bread doesn’t stick and lifts out with ease after baking.
Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, giving your bread a delightfully consistent flavor and rise.
Step 3: Combine Sugars, Butter, and Eggs
In a large bowl, blend the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to create a silky base that will hold your batter together beautifully.
Step 4: Add Bananas, Pumpkin, and Vanilla
Stir in the mashed bananas, pumpkin purée, and vanilla extract into your wet ingredients until fully combined. This step infuses the bread with moisture, sweetness, and the unmistakable fall flavors that make this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe truly special.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix here—just stir until everything is blended to keep the bread tender and soft, not dense.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
How to Serve Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with a light spread of softened butter or cream cheese for extra richness. A drizzle of honey or sprinkle of chopped nuts on top adds texture and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pumpkin Banana Bread with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. It also goes wonderfully with a bowl of fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for breakfast or brunch gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn slices of this bread into French toast for a decadent twist, or cut it into cubes and serve alongside ice cream and caramel sauce for a festive dessert. Wrapping individual slices as gifts makes for a thoughtful homemade treat that friends will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Pumpkin Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, or in the refrigerator for a week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, too! Wrap the cooled loaf (whole or sliced) in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating
To bring your bread back to that fresh-baked warmth, pop slices in the toaster or microwave them for 20-30 seconds. A little warming enhances the aromas and texture, making each bite as comforting as the first.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin purée for this Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin purée works perfectly and provides consistent flavor and moisture, making it convenient and reliable for baking.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
You can try using whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but keep in mind it may make the bread a bit denser. For gluten-free options, a gluten-free baking blend can be used, though texture might vary slightly.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this bread?
Yes! Adding about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips can introduce a delightful crunch or extra sweetness to this already flavorful bread.
How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?
For the best sweetness and moisture, use bananas that are very ripe—ideally with lots of brown spots on the peel. This enhances the banana flavor and natural sugars in the bread.
Can I make this bread vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), use a plant-based butter, and confirm your sugars are vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe is truly a celebration of seasonal flavors wrapped in a soft, moist loaf that feels like a warm hug. It’s straightforward enough to whip up on any weekend but special enough to serve at holiday gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this cozy, inviting bread becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen as it has in mine!
Print
Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pumpkin Banana Bread is a moist and flavorful twist on traditional banana bread, combining the rich sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm spices and smooth texture of pumpkin purée. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy dessert, this easy-to-make bread brings fall flavors to your table with a tender crumb and aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 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 cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 3/4 cup pumpkin purée
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Sugars and Butter: In a separate large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Add Eggs and Wet Flavors: Beat in the eggs one at a time to evenly incorporate them, then add the mashed ripe bananas, pumpkin purée, and vanilla extract, stirring until all the wet ingredients are fully combined.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy once fully cooled.
Notes
- You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version, but the bread will be denser.
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar slightly or add chocolate chips for extra flavor.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Ensure the bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough texture.
