Pumpkin Banana Bread

Name: Pumpkin Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 cup pumpkin puree; 2 ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Favorites

I absolutely love baking, especially when the seasons change and the air turns crisp. This Pumpkin Banana Bread recipe combines the best of fall flavors with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. The blend of pumpkin and banana creates a moist, flavorful loaf that is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Every time I pull this bread from the oven, the warm aroma fills my kitchen, making it hard to wait for a slice. You won't regret trying this cozy treat!

Created by

Cassandra Reed

Last updated on 2026-02-08T02:00:37.254Z

When I first tried my hand at baking this Pumpkin Banana Bread, I was amazed at how well the flavors meld together. The sweetness of the bananas complements the spiciness of the pumpkin and the warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. I learned that using very ripe bananas makes a significant difference in the flavor, bringing out natural sweetness without needing to add too much sugar.

One of my favorite tips is to add a bit of chopped walnuts for texture or even some chocolate chips for a decadent twist. The balance of flavors and textures makes this bread a hit every time, and it never lasts long in our house!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The comforting blend of warm spices and sweet banana enhances the cake-like texture.
It's a great way to use up ripe bananas and seasonal pumpkin puree.
Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring with a cup of coffee.

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredients of this Pumpkin Banana Bread are the ripe bananas and pumpkin puree, which not only provide natural sweetness but also contribute significantly to the moist texture of the loaf. Bananas act as a binding agent and reduce the need for excessive flour, resulting in a cake-like crumb. On the other hand, pumpkin puree adds a rich, earthy flavor and a touch of seasonal warmth with its vibrant orange color.

When it comes to spices, the combination of cinnamon and nutmeg creates a comforting aroma reminiscent of fall. Freshly grated nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile more than pre-ground, so consider grating your own if you want to take your baking to the next level. Similarly, using a mix of granulated and brown sugar not only balances the sweetness but also contributes to a richer taste and a slightly chewy texture on the edges.

Perfecting Your Technique

When mixing the wet ingredients, be careful not to overbeat the batter. This can lead to excess gluten development and a denser loaf. Mix until everything is just combined—it's okay if there are a few lumps from the bananas! For the dry ingredients, sifting them together can help eliminate any clumps, especially for the baking soda and powder, ensuring even distribution as they react in the oven.

Pay close attention to the baking times as well. Ovens can vary in temperature, so start with the recommended time of 55 minutes, but check for doneness a few minutes early. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If it’s still wet, continue baking in 5-minute increments, but cover the top with foil to prevent over-browning.

Storing and Enjoying Your Bread

Once your Pumpkin Banana Bread has cooled, proper storage is key to maintaining its moisture. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices. Just ensure they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and they can last up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm up slices in the toaster or microwave.

This bread is incredibly versatile! Enjoy it plain, or spread some cream cheese or butter on top for an indulgent twist. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it a great option for brunch or afternoon snacks. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment by adding chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Bread

1 cup pumpkin puree
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. If you're using walnuts, fold them in now.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick 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 before slicing.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding a cream cheese frosting on top once the bread is cooled. It elevates the flavor to a whole new level!

Variations to Try

If you're looking to switch things up, consider making this recipe with a few variations. You can easily substitute the walnuts with pecans for a different nutty flavor or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version. For a spiced twist, add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the dry ingredients, which will enhance the seasonal flavors and delight your taste buds.

Another fun variation is to add a swirl of cream cheese filling. Simply mix together cream cheese, an egg, and some sugar, then swirl it into the batter before baking. This gives your bread a delightful tangy flavor and a creamy texture that contrasts beautifully with the pumpkin and banana.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find your Pumpkin Banana Bread is coming out too dense, a likely culprit is overmixing the batter. Always remember to mix just until combined. If you’re using a scale to measure your flour, you can avoid the common issue of adding too much flour and resulting in a dry loaf by accurately weighing every ingredient.

Another common issue arises if the bread sinks in the middle after baking. This can happen due to underbaking or incorporating too many wet ingredients. Always check your oven’s temperature with an oven thermometer—if it’s running hot or cold, it could lead to uneven baking. Adjust your baking time as necessary for your oven specifics.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Pumpkin Banana Bread actually benefits from sitting a day after baking. The flavors have a chance to meld, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive loaf. If you're preparing ahead of time, you can bake the bread a day or two in advance, then wrap it tightly once cooled and store it at room temperature until you’re ready to serve.

If you have a busy schedule, you can also prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time by mixing them in a bowl and storing them in an airtight container. When you're ready to bake, just mix the wet ingredients and combine with the pre-measured dry mix for a quick and easy baking session, perfect for those autumn mornings!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute pumpkin puree with anything?

Yes, you can use applesauce for a similar texture, but it will change the flavor.

→ How should I store the bread?

Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I freeze the bread?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

→ What can I add for additional flavor?

You can add chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a pinch of ginger for a nice kick.