Welcome to the cozy season! This Pumpkin Banana Loaf combines the best of autumnal flavors with the comfort of a classic banana bread. It’s soft, moist, and bursting with pumpkin spice—a true treat for any occasion. Plus, it’s a simple recipe that even beginners can master. Whether you’re enjoying it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert, this loaf is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth to any day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist Texture: The combination of pumpkin puree and ripe bananas keeps the loaf incredibly moist.
- Easy to Make: No fancy equipment or advanced techniques—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Healthy Twist: Pumpkin and banana add natural sweetness and fiber, while optional walnuts bring a satisfying crunch and boost in protein.
- Perfectly Spiced: Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create an irresistible aroma and flavor.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 medium bananas)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for extra crunch)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (for a sweet twist)
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Set aside.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. This step is important to ensure there are no large chunks in the final loaf.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Add the pumpkin puree, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Whisk until well combined and smooth. This mixture should have a rich orange color.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Mixing the dry ingredients separately helps to evenly distribute the spices throughout the loaf.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, gently folding with a spatula after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser loaf. Fold just until no streaks of flour remain.
6. Add Optional Ingredients
If you’re using walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter now.
7. Pour and Garnish
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds over the top for a lovely finishing touch.
8. Bake
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking at the 55-minute mark. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
9. Cool and Serve
Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Storing: Keep the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week.
- Freezing: This loaf freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge or heat briefly in the microwave.
Customization Ideas
- Maple Glaze: For extra sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from ½ cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tbsp of maple syrup over the cooled loaf.
- Extra Spice: Add a pinch more cinnamon or ginger if you want a stronger spice kick.
- Oat Topping: Sprinkle rolled oats on top before baking for a rustic look and added texture.
Nutritional Benefits
This Pumpkin Banana Loaf is packed with nutritional benefits:
- Bananas: Rich in potassium, they contribute to heart health and proper muscle function.
- Pumpkin: High in beta-carotene, fiber, and antioxidants that support a healthy immune system.
- Walnuts (optional): Provide healthy fats, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain and heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can use homemade pumpkin puree by roasting and pureeing fresh pumpkin, but be sure to remove excess moisture by draining it in a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that some gluten-free flours may change the texture slightly, but the taste will still be delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Ripen Bananas Quickly?
If your bananas aren’t ripe enough, you can place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 15–20 minutes. The heat will soften them and bring out their natural sweetness.
Wrapping Up
This Pumpkin Banana Loaf is a warm, inviting treat that combines the best flavors of fall and the year-round comfort of banana bread. It’s perfect for cozy mornings with coffee or as a delightful dessert to share with friends and family. With its moist texture and perfectly spiced flavor, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking rotation.