Pumpkin Banana Bread

Imagine the comforting aroma of sweet bananas and spiced pumpkin filling your kitchen as this delightful Pumpkin Banana Bread bakes to perfection.

It’s a simple yet cozy recipe that promises an indulgent treat, perfect for any season.

With ripe bananas, canned pumpkin, and warm spices, these ingredients transform into a moist, flavorful loaf that’s sure to become a favorite.

Let’s bring this delicious creation to life and savor every slice.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 loaf pan
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 medium mixing bowl
• 1 whisk
• 1 spatula
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 measuring spoons set

Ingredients

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and baking Pumpkin Banana Bread, you can follow this timeline:

Timeline for Pumpkin Banana Bread:

1. Reading and Preparation:
   • Allocate 5 minutes to read through the entire recipe and instructions to understand the process and gather all necessary equipment and ingredients.
2. Prep Work:
   • 0 – 15 minutes:
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Lightly grease the loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
   • Mash the ripe bananas and measure out the canned pumpkin puree.
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
   • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Mixing Ingredients:
   • 16 – 25 minutes:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
   • Gently fold in the walnuts if using.
4. Baking:
   • 26 – 86 minutes:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
   • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes.
   • Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
5. Cooling:
   • 87 – 97 minutes:
   • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
6. Final Cooling and Resting:
   • 98 minutes onward:
   • Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Additional Time Management Tips:

• Consider preparing your work area and measuring ingredients in advance to streamline the process.
• Use any waiting time, such as while the bread is baking, to clean up and organize the kitchen.
• If you plan to add optional ingredients like chocolate chips or dried cranberries, have them measured and ready before beginning the mixing process.

This timeline should help you efficiently manage your time and guarantee a smooth baking experience. Enjoy your Pumpkin Banana Bread!

Recipe Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease the loaf pan lightly with cooking spray or butter.

In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Gently fold in the walnuts if using.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving Tips

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm spices of the bread.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a delightful creamy texture to each bite.
• Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of maple syrup enhances the sweet and earthy flavors of the bread.
• Cream Cheese Spread: A thin layer of cream cheese spread on top adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a burst of freshness and color.

Storage

To store Pumpkin Banana Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Freezing

To freeze Pumpkin Banana Bread, wrap slices in plastic wrap.

Then, wrap them in aluminum foil, and store in an airtight container.

Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To reheat Pumpkin Banana Bread, wrap slices in foil and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Or, microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

Creating a delicious pumpkin banana bread is a rewarding and straightforward process.

With the perfect blend of pumpkin, ripe bananas, and warm spices, this bread makes for a delightful dessert or snack.

Remember to use very ripe bananas for added sweetness and moisture.

You can personalize the recipe by adding ingredients like chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.

If you notice the top browning too quickly during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Allow the bread to rest before slicing, as this helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to cut.

Enjoy this comforting treat with your loved ones or savor it as a cozy solo indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour?

You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but use 1 1/2 cups instead of 1 3/4 cups. Whole wheat flour is denser, so slightly reducing the amount helps maintain the bread’s texture and moisture.

How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?

To make it vegan-friendly, substitute eggs with 1/4 cup applesauce or flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water per egg). Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and replace sugar with organic or coconut sugar.

What Can I Use Instead of Vegetable Oil?

You can replace vegetable oil with 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or melted coconut oil. Both options maintain moisture and flavor. If using coconut oil, melt it first and make sure it’s cooled before mixing.

Can I Add Other Spices to the Bread?

Absolutely, you can add other spices. Try adding 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth. Make certain the total spice amount doesn’t exceed 2 teaspoons to avoid overpowering the bread’s flavor balance. Adjust to taste.

How Can I Adjust the Recipe for High Altitude Baking?

Adjust for high altitude by reducing baking soda to 3/4 teaspoon and sugar to 1/4 cup each. Increase flour by 2 tablespoons. Increase baking temperature to 375°F. Bake 5-10 minutes less, checking for doneness.

Pumpkin Banana Bread

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Equipment

• 1 Loaf pan
• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 medium mixing bowl
• 1 Whisk
• 1 Spatula
• 1 measuring cup
• 1 Measuring spoons set

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 ripe bananas mashed
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease the loaf pan lightly with cooking spray or butter.
• In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
• Gently fold in the walnuts if using.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas as they will add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. You can also add chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor. If the top of the bread browns too quickly during baking, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Letting the bread rest before slicing allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.