This Pumpkin Banana Bread is a cozy treat perfect for chilly days! It’s packed with sweet banana and spiced pumpkin, making it smell amazing while it bakes.
I love having a slice for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It’s so good that you might need to hide it from the family! 🍞😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe, brown-speckled bananas are the best for sweetness and flavor. If you’re out of bananas, unsweetened applesauce can be a good substitute.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is so convenient, but you can make your own by roasting a sugar pumpkin and pureeing the flesh. If you’re in a pinch, you can use sweet potato puree too.
Oil vs. Butter: I usually go with vegetable oil for moisture, but melted butter adds a richer flavor. If going dairy-free, use coconut oil or a neutral oil.
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans are optional, but they really add to the texture. If you want a nut-free version, try adding chocolate chips or dried fruits instead!
How Do I Ensure My Bread is Moist but Not Dense?
Getting your Pumpkin Banana Bread just right involves a few handy tips. First, don’t overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients. It’s okay to have a few lumps!
- Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or grease it well.
- Use ripe bananas and fresh pumpkin puree for maximum moisture.
- Check your bread with a toothpick around the 60-minute mark. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
Letting it cool in the pan for 10 minutes helps set the structure, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
How to Make Pumpkin Banana Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dough:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Dry Ingredients:
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Time Needed:
This delightful Pumpkin Banana Bread will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 60-70 minutes to bake. Just be sure to let it cool for about 10 minutes after baking before slicing. So, overall, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well mixed.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and optional cloves. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently, just until everything is combined. Remember, it’s okay if there are a few lumps—don’t overmix!
5. Add Nuts:
If you’re using chopped walnuts or pecans, gently fold them into the batter now.
6. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Down:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the bread and serve it warm with butter or your favorite spread. It’s great for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert!
This Pumpkin Banana Bread offers a wonderful combination of flavors and is sure to warm your heart. Enjoy every bite with a nice cup of coffee or tea!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can roast a sugar pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend it until smooth to create your own pumpkin puree. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture, as too much liquid can affect the bread’s texture.
How Can I Make This Bread More Moist?
To enhance the moisture, ensure that your bananas are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. You can also add an additional tablespoon of oil or replace some of the sugar with applesauce for a moist bread.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice and freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Just thaw to room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I Add Other Mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even swap out the nuts for seeds if you prefer a different texture. Just be mindful of the overall moisture level to maintain the perfect consistency.