Imagine the delightful aroma of warm spices wafting through your kitchen as you bake a loaf of Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread.
It’s an easy-to-make, cozy treat that wraps you in comfort with every bite, making it a seasonal favorite.
As the bananas, pumpkin, and spices meld together in the oven, a magical transformation occurs, creating a moist and fragrant loaf.
Let’s bring this delicious dish to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 loaf pan
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 spatula
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 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
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while making Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread, follow this timeline:
Timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
- Read through the recipe and instructions carefully.
- Gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (15 minutes):
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the loaf pan.
- Mash the ripe bananas and measure out the pumpkin puree.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Combine Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Baking (60 minutes):
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes.
- Approximately 55 minutes into baking, start checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean when done.
- Resting and Cooling (10 minutes):
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully transfer the bread to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Tips
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the dense bread.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream enhances the dessert experience with creamy sweetness.
- Drizzle of Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup adds a touch of extra sweetness and complements the spices beautifully.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries for a revitalizing, tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the bread.
- Honey Butter: Spread a bit of honey butter on a warm slice for a luscious, sweet-savory combination.
Storage
To store Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for longer freshness.
Freezing
To freeze Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap.
Then, place in an airtight container.
It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread, wrap slices in aluminum foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave slices for 10-15 seconds for a quick option.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is a delightful and cozy treat perfect for fall.
The combination of ripe bananas and pumpkin puree creates a moist texture, while the blend of spices adds warmth and flavor.
Make certain your bananas are very ripe to maximize sweetness and moisture.
Avoid over-mixing the batter to achieve a light and fluffy loaf.
Feel free to personalize your bread with nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
Enjoy a slice with your favorite warm beverage for a comforting dessert experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Vegetable Oil With Another Type of Oil?
Yes, you can swap vegetable oil with coconut or olive oil for a distinct flavor. Coconut oil adds richness, while olive oil offers a fruity note. Confirm the oil is in liquid form to blend seamlessly into your batter.
What Is the Best Way to Mash Ripe Bananas?
You can easily mash ripe bananas by peeling them and placing them in a mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to crush them until smooth, ensuring a creamy texture that melds seamlessly into your baking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make it gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Choose one with xanthan gum for structure. Enjoy the same delightful aroma and taste without gluten’s limitations, creating a delicious treat everyone will love.
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
You can definitely use frozen bananas in your recipe. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid. Their concentrated sweetness and moisture add an irresistible richness, enhancing the flavor profile of your delightful bread.
What Variations Can I Try to Make It Healthier?
You can boost nutrition by swapping half the flour for whole wheat, replacing sugar with honey or maple syrup, and using applesauce instead of oil. Add nuts or seeds for extra protein and fiber, enhancing both taste and health.
Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread
Equipment
- 1 Loaf pan
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Spatula
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
