This Pumpkin Banana Bread is the ultimate comfort bake, blending everything you adore about classic banana bread with the warm, spiced coziness of pumpkin. The result is a perfectly moist, tender loaf with a golden crust, brimming with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a delicate sweetness. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy breakfast or an afternoon treat, this irresistible bread brings pure autumnal joy in every bite—no special occasion required!

Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Pumpkin Banana Bread comes from a handful of humble yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing flavor, moisture, or that comforting color only a great quick bread can deliver.

Mashed ripe bananas: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
Pumpkin purée: Pure pumpkin adds moisture and a deep orange hue—make sure to use canned purée, not pumpkin pie filling!
Large eggs: They bind everything together and help create a pleasantly fluffy texture.
Vegetable oil: Neutral oil ensures a rich, tender crumb and keeps the bread extra moist.
Brown sugar: Adds a wonderful hint of caramel along with extra moisture.
Granulated sugar: Balances the flavor and gives a touch more sweetness to the loaf.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla brings out those cozy, home-baked flavors.
All-purpose flour: The structure of the bread—sift it if you like an exceptionally light texture.
Baking soda: Helps the bread rise tall and proud.
Baking powder: Gives the loaf just a little extra lift.
Salt: Essential for rounding out the sweetness and heightening flavor.
Ground cinnamon: The heart of any spiced quick bread—delivers warmth and aroma.
Ground nutmeg: Brings subtle, nutty undertones you can’t help but love.
Ground cloves: A little goes a long way—just enough for a hint of spice.
Ground ginger: Adds a gentle zing to balance the sweeter spices.

How to Make Pumpkin Banana Bread

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Before you dive in, grab your ingredients and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan—you don’t want your lovely loaf to stick! This bit of prep work makes baking smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, pumpkin purée, eggs, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Aim for a cohesive, velvety mixture with no obvious lumps of banana or streaks of pumpkin. This step ensures every bite of your Pumpkin Banana Bread is moist and flavorful.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Blending the spices in with the flour first means you’ll get a beautifully even flavor in every bite. Plus, it helps prevent overmixing later.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; a few tiny streaks of flour are okay! Overmixing can make your Pumpkin Banana Bread dense, so a light touch works wonders. If you’d like, fold in some chocolate chips or chopped walnuts here for extra flair.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, then smooth the top for even baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Your kitchen will smell like pure autumn bliss!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let your Pumpkin Banana Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it carefully to a wire rack. Give it time to cool completely before slicing—this helps the flavors develop and the texture set. The wait is always the hardest part!

How to Serve Pumpkin Banana Bread

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar can add a touch of elegance to your loaf. You might also drizzle the top with a quick vanilla or maple glaze, or scatter a handful of toasted walnuts on for a beautiful, rustic finish.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving Pumpkin Banana Bread for breakfast or brunch, pair slices with Greek yogurt, a fresh fruit salad, or even a mug of spiced chai. For an afternoon snack, it’s delightfully rich alongside tea or dark roast coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut thick slices and grill them lightly with a bit of butter for a caramelized twist. Or, cube the bread and layer with whipped cream and berries for a playful dessert parfait. You can even use it as the base for a decadent fall bread pudding!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pumpkin Banana Bread will stay moist and delicious for several days. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This bread is freezer-friendly and fantastic for making ahead. Wrap your fully cooled loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight at room temperature when the craving strikes.

Reheating

To enjoy that freshly-baked feel, warm leftovers in the microwave for 15–20 seconds per slice, or reheat larger portions in a 300°F (150°C) oven until just heated through. A little slather of butter when warm is heavenly!

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned purée?

Absolutely! Roast and mash your own pumpkin for the freshest flavor—just make sure it’s blended smooth and not too watery before adding to your batter.

Is it possible to make this bread vegan?

Yes! Swap the eggs for flax eggs or your favorite egg replacer, and use a plant-based oil. The bread still turns out moist and delicious.

How do I know when my Pumpkin Banana Bread is done?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. The top should be set and golden brown.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Definitely! Stir in up to half a cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips just before baking. This adds texture and a delightful crunch or extra chocolatey goodness.

How can I make this bread gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free baking blend. Check that your baking powder and other ingredients are certified gluten-free, and you’re good to go.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma and flavor of fresh Pumpkin Banana Bread, and I hope you’ll give this recipe a whirl soon. It’s simple, comforting, and so versatile—perfect for any day that needs a cozy touch. Happy baking!

Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pumpkin Banana Bread combines the flavors of sweet bananas and pumpkin in a moist, delicious loaf. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, this easy quick bread is sure to become a fall favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
1 cup pumpkin purée
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

1 3/4 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
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together bananas, pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, sugars, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
Bake: Pour batter into loaf pan and bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For added texture, stir in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips before baking.
This bread freezes well—wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American