Pumpkin Banana Bread

Pumpkin Banana Bread is the perfect blend of two beloved classics—moist banana bread and warmly spiced pumpkin bread. This comforting loaf combines ripe bananas with creamy pumpkin purée and cozy autumn spices to create a soft, tender bread that’s rich in flavor and aroma. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes every slice feel like a hug.

Ideal for fall baking yet delicious year-round, pumpkin banana bread is a wonderful way to use up overripe bananas while enjoying the earthy sweetness of pumpkin. Whether served for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a light dessert, this loaf delivers balanced sweetness, moisture, and spice in every bite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly moist, flavorful, and foolproof. The bananas add natural sweetness and softness, while the pumpkin keeps the bread tender for days. It’s easy to make, forgiving for beginner bakers, and tastes even better the next day—perfect for baking ahead.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Ultra-moist and tender texture
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for fall and holiday baking
• Great way to use ripe bananas
• Freezer-friendly and meal-prep approved

If you enjoy classic quick breads with a seasonal twist, this pumpkin banana bread is a must-try.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 35 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Calories: Approximately 220–250 calories per slice

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup chocolate chips

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
3. Whisk dry ingredients together in a bowl.
4. Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool before slicing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven: Set temperature and prepare pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, spices, and leavening.
3. Prepare Wet Mixture: Mash bananas and mix with pumpkin, sugars, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
4. Combine: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients.
5. Add Extras: Stir in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
6. Bake: Pour batter into pan and bake until set.
7. Cool: Let bread cool before slicing for best texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Banana Bread

• Serve warm with butter or cream cheese
• Enjoy with coffee or tea
• Toast slices lightly for breakfast
• Dust with powdered sugar for dessert

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness
• Do not overmix the batter
• Measure flour correctly to avoid dryness
• Tent loosely with foil if top browns too quickly
• Allow bread to cool fully before slicing

Variations (Detailed)

Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread

Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour and use honey instead of sugar.

Vegan Version

Use flax eggs and dairy-free butter.

Spiced Pumpkin Bread

Add ginger or pumpkin pie spice for extra warmth.

Cream Cheese Swirl

Add a sweetened cream cheese swirl before baking.

Gluten-Free Option

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator

• Store wrapped or in airtight container
• Keeps for 4–5 days

Freezer

• Freeze slices or whole loaf for up to 3 months
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil

Reheating

• Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in microwave

Special Equipment Needed

• Loaf pan (9×5-inch)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper

Conclusion

Pumpkin Banana Bread is a cozy, flavorful quick bread that brings together the best of banana bread and pumpkin spice. Moist, aromatic, and incredibly easy to make, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or sharing with family and friends. Once you bake this loaf, it’s sure to become a seasonal—and year-round—favorite.