The Best Pumpkin Banana Bread You’ll Ever Make!
Pumpkin season is here, and if you’re like me, you’re probably looking for all the ways to enjoy it! One of my go-to recipes is this incredibly moist and flavorful Pumpkin Banana Bread. It’s the perfect fusion of ripe bananas and smooth pumpkin, with a touch of honey for natural sweetness. Whether you’re making this for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or to serve guests, it’s sure to become a favorite. Plus, it fills your house with the most comforting aromas as it bakes!
Here’s how you can whip up a loaf that’ll have everyone asking for seconds (or thirds).
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ripe bananas – The riper, the better! Bananas add sweetness and moisture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – This will form the base of the bread.
- 4 large eggs – Adds structure and richness to the bread.
- 6 tablespoons honey – Naturally sweetens the bread without refined sugar.
- 1 cup pumpkin puree – Adds moisture and a subtle earthy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Reacts with the acidity of the bananas for an extra lift.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds a beautiful aroma.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Brings warmth to every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg – A little spice that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Add the eggs, honey, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing out the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pumpkin Banana Bread FAQ
1. How ripe should the bananas be? The riper, the better! Overripe bananas that are soft and spotty will blend more easily and bring a natural sweetness to the bread.
2. Can I use canned pumpkin puree? Absolutely! Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices.
3. Can I make this bread gluten-free? Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it’s a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results.
4. Can I use maple syrup instead of honey? Yes, maple syrup works as a great substitute for honey and gives a lovely, subtle flavor. Use the same amount as the honey.
5. How can I tell when the bread is done? Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s done. If it’s still wet, give it another 5 minutes and check again.
Variations on Pumpkin Banana Bread
Want to get creative? Here are some delicious variations you can try:
1. Add-ins Galore:
- Chocolate chips: Mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweeter, more decadent loaf.
- Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Stir in about 1/2 cup.
- Dried fruit: Try dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates for a chewy texture and added sweetness.
2. Healthier Swaps:
- Whole wheat flour: For a healthier version, swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This gives the bread more fiber but will result in a denser texture.
- Coconut sugar: Substitute honey with coconut sugar or even reduce the amount of sweetener to make a lower-sugar option.
3. Spice it Up:
- Pumpkin spice mix: Replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with 1 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice for an extra kick of flavor.
- Ginger and cloves: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger and a pinch of cloves for a more complex spice profile.
What to Pair with Pumpkin Banana Bread
Pumpkin banana bread is versatile and pairs well with a variety of foods and drinks. Whether you’re serving it as breakfast, a snack, or dessert, here are some pairing ideas:
1. Coffee or Tea:
The warm spices in the bread complement a hot cup of coffee, especially a pumpkin spice latte or a simple black coffee. For tea lovers, chai tea or spiced herbal teas are perfect matches.
2. Cream Cheese Spread:
For a sweet, creamy touch, spread some whipped cream cheese on a slice of pumpkin banana bread. You could also mix a little honey and cinnamon into the cream cheese for an extra treat.
3. Nut Butters:
Almond butter or peanut butter spread over a warm slice of pumpkin banana bread makes for a hearty and satisfying snack.
4. Ice Cream:
Turn this bread into a dessert by serving it with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. You can even drizzle it with a little caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
5. Fresh Fruit:
Pumpkin banana bread goes beautifully with fresh fruit like apples, pears, or berries on the side for a light and healthy pairing.
How to Store and Freeze Pumpkin Banana Bread
Storing:
Pumpkin banana bread will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. If you want it to last longer, place it in the refrigerator, where it’ll stay fresh for up to a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving for the best texture.
Freezing:
This bread freezes beautifully! To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply let it thaw at room temperature, or warm it in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes.
Pro Tip:
For easy snacking, slice the bread before freezing. This way, you can grab a slice or two whenever the craving hits without having to thaw the entire loaf.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin banana bread is a must-have recipe for any season, but it’s especially comforting during the fall and winter months. The combination of sweet bananas and spiced pumpkin creates a cozy, satisfying treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with some variations, this bread is sure to be a hit.
Don’t forget to share your variations and pairings in the comments—I love hearing about the creative twists people add to their pumpkin banana bread! Enjoy!
Pumpkin Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 2 bananas ripe
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 4 large eggs
- 6 Tbsp honey
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl.
- Add the eggs, honey, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Stir until just mixed.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.