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

Highlighted under: Creative Baking Favorites

I absolutely love making Pumpkin Banana Bread when the weather turns cool. The combination of ripe bananas and pumpkin puree creates a moist and flavorful loaf that is hard to resist. Every time I bake it, the warm, spiced aroma fills the entire house, inviting everyone in to take a slice. This recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the fall flavors while using up those overripe bananas, making it both practical and delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make this bread all season long.

Created by

Cassandra Reed

Last updated on 2026-02-08T02:05:36.653Z

When I first experimented with adding pumpkin to banana bread, I was amazed at how well the flavors complemented each other. The pumpkin adds moisture and a subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall taste. I added a dash of nutmeg to give it that classic fall flavor. After several attempts, I found that baking it at a lower temperature for a longer time really helps develop the flavors while keeping the bread perfectly tender.

One of my favorite tips is to use very ripe bananas, as their natural sugars caramelize during baking, resulting in a beautifully sweet loaf. It's a wonderful addition to my brunch table or a cozy afternoon snack. I always top it with a bit of cream cheese spread for an extra special treat!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect blend of banana and pumpkin flavors creates a unique taste.
Moist and tender with a delightful spice that warms your heart.
Great for breakfast, snacks, or as a comforting dessert any time of the day.

The Role of Bananas and Pumpkin

Bananas and pumpkin are the stars of this bread, not just for their flavors but also for their roles in achieving the perfect texture. The moisture from the mashed bananas ensures a soft crumb, while pumpkin puree adds richness and a vibrant autumn flavor. If you're short on pumpkin, you can substitute sweet potato puree for a similar effect, though the taste will vary slightly. Both ingredients offer natural sweetness, which helps reduce the need for added sugars.

Overripe bananas are ideal for this recipe as their sugars caramelize beautifully during baking, enhancing the overall flavor profile. Aim for bananas that are heavily speckled or even blackened; this will give you the sweetest results. If you don’t have all the bananas you need, consider mashing and adding applesauce for part of the banana content—this will keep the loaf moist and may even introduce a subtle apple flavor.

Spices and Flavor Enhancements

The spices in this recipe play a crucial role in defining its character. The ground cinnamon and nutmeg are not just for aroma; they elevate the natural flavors of the bananas and pumpkin, creating a warm, inviting scent that wafts through your kitchen as it bakes. Consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for an extra spiced twist, perfect for those who enjoy a bolder flavor profile. If you’re a fan of chocolate, adding a cup of chocolate chips can create a delightful contrast to the spiced elements.

Texture can also be enhanced by including mix-ins. Chopped walnuts not only add a satisfying crunch but also contribute a nutty flavor that complements the loaf. If you're looking for alternatives to walnuts due to nut allergies, try using pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for that needed crunch without the allergens.

Storing and Serving Your Bread

Once your Pumpkin Banana Bread is completely cooled, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. If you want to keep it longer, consider slicing it and wrapping each slice tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. This allows you to enjoy individual pieces whenever you want a treat; just thaw on the counter for a few hours or pop in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to warm it up.

Serving suggestions are endless! This bread is excellent on its own, but you can elevate it by pairing it with a dollop of cream cheese or a spread of butter. For breakfast, consider topping slices with yogurt and fresh fruit to add a refreshing contrast. You could also serve it alongside a warm cup of chai or cinnamon tea to complement the autumn spices.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious Pumpkin Banana Bread:

Ingredients

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

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bake your Pumpkin Banana Bread:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended.

Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. If using walnuts, fold them into the batter at this stage.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the Bread

Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your freshly baked Pumpkin Banana Bread with a cup of coffee or tea!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle some icing on top or serve with a dollop of cream cheese spread for added flavor.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Baking can sometimes lead to unexpected results. If your Pumpkin Banana Bread sinks in the middle, it could be due to overmixing the batter, which incorporates too much air. Remember to mix just until combined, and avoid beating the batter vigorously. Also, if you find your bread is too dense, check that your baking soda is fresh and properly measured. Using too much flour can also weigh it down, so spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accuracy.

If you're unsure about the doneness of your bread, an internal temperature of 200°F (93°C) is a good indicator that it's ready. However, if the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the inside continues to cook through.

Scaling Up or Down

If you're looking to make more loaves for gatherings or to share, this recipe easily scales up. Simply multiply each ingredient by the number of loaves you wish to make. When baking multiple loaves, check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the standard time, as they may take less time to bake when sharing the oven’s heat. Use the same size loaf pans to ensure consistent baking results.

Conversely, if you're baking for one or two, consider halving the recipe or even making mini loaves. Mini loaves can bake at the same temperature but will generally take 30-40 minutes. Just keep an eye on them, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly!

Version Variations

For a different flavor experience, try substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add a nutty taste and extra fiber but adjust the liquid content slightly, as whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture. Alternatively, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends if you're following a gluten-free diet. Just ensure the blend you choose is suitable for baking to maintain the loaf's delightful texture.

If you want to take it up a notch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread for added sweetness. You can also incorporate dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft loaf.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, thaw the frozen bananas and mash them well before using.

→ Can I substitute the pumpkin puree?

You can use sweet potato puree or even applesauce as a substitute.

→ How do I store leftover Pumpkin Banana Bread?

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

→ Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips would make a delicious addition to the bread.