If you’re ready to embrace all things cozy and warmly spiced, you absolutely must try this Pumpkin Banana Bread. It’s an irresistibly moist, tender loaf that melds the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the earthy richness of pumpkin and a glorious mix of autumn spices. Whether you’re whipping up a nostalgic breakfast or looking for the perfect afternoon snack with your coffee or tea, this quick bread brings comfort to every bite, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with pure joy.

Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Pumpkin Banana Bread really shine is how it transforms simple pantry staples into something unforgettable. Each ingredient plays its part in building flavor, scent, or that beloved moist crumb—so don’t skip a thing!

Mashed ripe bananas: Use those deeply speckled bananas—the riper, the sweeter and more aromatic your bread will be.
Pumpkin puree: Pumpkin brings moisture, rich color, and subtle earthiness that complements the banana beautifully.
Large eggs: They bind everything together and contribute to the bread’s tender texture.
Vegetable oil: Helps guarantee a moist, soft crumb—try substituting half with applesauce for a lighter twist.
Brown sugar: Adds extra depth and caramel notes that enhance the pumpkin and spices.
Granulated sugar: Provides balanced sweetness and helps with the bread’s lovely golden crust.
All-purpose flour: The reliable base that gives structure to your loaf.
Baking soda: Supplies leavening so your loaf rises nicely in the oven.
Baking powder: Adds extra lift for a soft, fluffy finish.
Salt: Just a bit brightens up all the other flavors.
Ground cinnamon: This classic spice delivers instant fall vibes to every slice.
Ground nutmeg: Nutmeg adds a hint of warmth that lingers beyond the last bite.
Ground ginger: Lends a subtle zing that keeps the sweetness in check.
Ground cloves: Adds depth with its earthy, spicy undertone—just a pinch transforms the loaf.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors with its inviting aroma.
Chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional): Stir in nuts for crunch or chocolate for decadence—either makes a fantastic addition!

How to Make Pumpkin Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or line it with parchment for fuss-free removal later). This small step ensures that your Pumpkin Banana Bread pops right out when it’s time to serve and gives the edges that perfect golden finish.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, both sugars, and the vanilla extract until the mixture turns smooth and beautifully unified. This is when your kitchen starts to smell incredible! The key here is to whisk thoroughly—the smoother, the better for flavor and texture.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Give everything a good stir to ensure the spices and leavening are evenly distributed. This prevents any clumps and guarantees that every mouthful of Pumpkin Banana Bread bursts with spice.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the dry mixture to the bowl of wet ingredients. Gently stir until everything is just combined—you want a cohesive batter, but be careful not to overmix, which could make the bread dense. If you love nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now and watch as your batter transforms into a party of flavors!

Step 5: Pour, Bake, and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your home will be filled with the most welcoming, spiced aroma. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this patience is rewarded with slices that hold together beautifully.

How to Serve Pumpkin Banana Bread

Garnishes

Give each slice some extra flair! Try dusting powdered sugar across the top, or drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for a touch of sweetness. For warmth and crunch, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or a pinch of cinnamon sugar. Even a thin layer of softened butter instantly elevates a warm piece of Pumpkin Banana Bread.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Banana Bread pairs beautifully with thick, creamy Greek yogurt or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you’re serving it for breakfast, fresh orange slices or apples balance the spice with a burst of tartness. And for coffee lovers, nothing beats a cup of rich, dark roast alongside this cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with how you serve your Pumpkin Banana Bread! Slice the loaf into cubes and use them for fondue dippers, or layer chunks with yogurt and fruit in a parfait. For brunch guests, toast slices and serve with cream cheese spread—creativity is encouraged, and this bread is as versatile as your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, wrap your Pumpkin Banana Bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, tuck it into the refrigerator for freshness that lasts even longer—the flavors only get better as they mingle!

Freezing

To make Pumpkin Banana Bread ahead, simply let the loaf cool, slice it, and wrap each slice individually (or the whole loaf) in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag. It will stay delicious for up to three months. When you get a craving, you’re just a quick defrost away from fresh-baked bliss.

Reheating

Revive leftover slices by gently warming them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a toaster oven for a minute or two. This restores that dreamy, fresh-from-the-oven texture and brings all those warm spices right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree your fresh pumpkin until it’s smooth and the liquid is well-drained. The flavor will be slightly fresher, and your homemade Pumpkin Banana Bread will be even more special.

How ripe should my bananas be?

Go for bananas with plenty of brown spots and a strong aroma—they should almost look overripe. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will become.

What’s the best way to know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center: it should come out clean or with a couple of moist crumbs (but no raw batter!). Also, the loaf will begin to pull away from the sides of the pan when perfectly baked.

Can I make this Pumpkin Banana Bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The texture might be a bit different, but you’ll still get those fantastic flavors.

How can I make this bread vegan?

Swap out the eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a neutral vegan oil. Double-check your sugars for vegan status, and voilà—homemade vegan Pumpkin Banana Bread!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy new baking ritual or simply craving a slice of comforting sweetness, this Pumpkin Banana Bread has a way of winning hearts. Give it a try, and I promise—your kitchen will be filled with laughter, warmth, and perhaps a little friendly competition over the last slice!

Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Pumpkin Banana Bread combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and banana in a moist and delicious quick bread. Perfect for fall baking or anytime you need a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 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 ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, sugars, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
Add optional ingredients: Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using.
Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smooth the top, and bake for 55–65 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

This bread tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
For a lighter version, substitute applesauce for half of the oil.
Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American