Moist Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

Cozy Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Treat

Autumn’s embrace brings a delightful twist to classic banana bread with this moist pumpkin banana bread recipe that combines two beloved flavors.

Warm spices dance through each tender slice, creating a symphony of comfort and sweetness.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma as ripe bananas and pumpkin puree meld together in perfect harmony.

Soft crumbs promise a decadent treat that celebrates the best of fall’s bounty.

Wholesome ingredients transform simple baking into a moment of pure joy.

Bakers of all skill levels can easily craft this delectable bread that turns an ordinary afternoon into a cozy celebration.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this seasonal sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 189 kcal

Servings: 13

Fall-Inspired Ingredients For Pumpkin Banana Bread

For Wet Ingredients:
  • Mashed Bananas: Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, creating a tender bread texture.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Brings rich autumn flavor and creamy consistency to the bread.
  • Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist, soft crumb and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients, creating a cohesive batter.
  • Brown Sugar, Granulated Sugar: Deliver deep caramel notes and balanced sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with warm, aromatic undertones.
For Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates the bread's fundamental structure and texture.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Balances and amplifies the sweet flavors in the bread.
For Spices and Mix-Ins:
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, classic autumn spice and depth to the bread.
  • Ground Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, nutty warmth to complement the pumpkin.
  • Ground Cloves: Introduces a deep, aromatic complexity to the flavor profile.
  • Ground Ginger: Contributes a slight zingy, spicy note to the bread.
  • Nuts or Chocolate Chips: Optional mix-ins that add crunch, texture, and extra flavor dimension.

Tools To Whip Up Pumpkin Banana Bread Fast

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending wet ingredients until creamy and well-mixed.
  • Separate mixing bowl: Needed for measuring and combining dry ingredients.
  • 9×5-inch loaf pan: Key for baking bread with the right shape and size.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Toothpick: Helpful for checking bread doneness by testing center.
  • Parchment paper (optional): Great for easy bread removal and cleanup.

Steps To Bake Moist Pumpkin Banana Bread

  • Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350F and get a loaf pan ready by giving it a light greasing or lining with parchment paper.

  • Create a Banana Pumpkin Mix

Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla until everything looks silky smooth.

  • Blend Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, toss together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and a sprinkle of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

  • Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some chopped nuts or chocolate chips.

  • Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smooth the top, and slide it into the oven. Bake for 55-65 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean when inserted in the center.

Tips To Make Pumpkin Banana Bread Even Better

  • Moist Bread Secret: Add an extra mashed banana to increase moisture and enhance natural sweetness.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring a 1:1 ratio for perfect texture.
  • Nutty Crunch Boost: Toast walnuts or pecans before adding to the batter to intensify their flavor and add a delightful crunch.
  • Vegan Swap: Substitute eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water) and use coconut oil instead of regular oil for a plant-based version.

Serving Pumpkin Banana Bread Warm And Sweet

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Slice this warm bread and pair with a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent after-dinner sweet.
  • Nutty Crunch Twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans, walnuts, or toasted pumpkin seeds on top for extra texture and a delicious nutty flavor profile.
  • Festive Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a rustic twine for a homemade holiday gift that friends and family will love.

Store Pumpkin Banana Bread Without Losing Moisture

  • Refrigerator Storage Magic: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator's main compartment away from strong-smelling foods.
  • Freezer Friendly Technique: Slice the bread before freezing for easy single-serving thawing. Place wrapped slices or whole loaf in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Frozen bread stays delicious for 2-3 months.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the batter in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows flavors to develop and saves time during busy mornings.
  • Room Temperature Tips: Allow freshly baked bread to cool completely on a wire rack before storing. Room temperature storage works best when kept in a sealed container or bread box, maintaining softness for 2-3 days.
Print
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Moist Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

Moist Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Spicy pumpkin banana bread melds autumn’s warmth with comforting sweetness. Fragrant spices and ripe bananas create a moist, delectable loaf perfect for sharing with friends and enjoying with coffee.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin puree (canned)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) bananas (mashed, ripe, about 2 medium)
  • 2 eggs (large)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or butter, melted)
  • ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg (ground)
  • ¼ tsp cloves (ground)
  • ¼ tsp ginger (ground)
  • ½ cup (60 g) walnuts or chocolate chips (chopped, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Calibrate the oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or a delicate grease coating to prevent sticking.
  2. Fusion of Wet Ingredients: Whisk mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, cooking oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract into a smooth, homogeneous liquid with a luxurious consistency.
  3. Dry Ingredient Symphony: Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, sea salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in a separate bowl, ensuring even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
  4. Batter Transformation: Gently fold wet and dry mixtures together, incorporating nuts or chocolate chips if desired, being careful to avoid overmixing which can compromise the bread’s delicate texture.
  5. Baking Performance: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, creating an even surface, then bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges completely clean, signaling perfect doneness.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Texture: Pat mashed bananas and pumpkin puree dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a dense and perfectly textured bread.
  • Customize Spice Balance: Adjust ground spices according to personal preference, increasing or decreasing cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to create a personalized flavor profile.
  • Check Bread Doneness: Insert a toothpick at multiple points in the center to confirm even baking, avoiding undercooked sections that might compromise the bread’s structural integrity.
  • Enhance Nutritional Value: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added protein and fiber, making the bread more nutrient-dense and suitable for health-conscious individuals.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 189
  • Sugar: 13 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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