Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is the perfect cozy twist on classic banana bread, blending sweet ripe bananas with earthy pumpkin puree and warm fall spices. This hearty yet tender loaf is made with a mix of whole grain and all-purpose flour, making it a wholesome treat for pumpkin season.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- All-purpose & whole wheat flour: Provide structure and a balance of light texture with hearty depth.
- Baking soda & baking powder: Work together to lift the dense batter and create a tender crumb, perfect for your pumpkin-inspired delight.
- Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger) & salt: Add cozy pumpkin spice flavor while salt balances sweetness.
- Olive oil or butter: Keep the loaf moist and tender; coconut oil can also be used.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens while adding moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor.
- Eggs, vanilla & milk: Bind the loaf, add structure, smooth the batter, and round out flavor.
- Pumpkin puree & banana: For that pumpkin spice banana masterpiece, these ingredients provide natural sweetness, moisture, and rich texture.
- Toppings (pumpkin seeds & banana): Optional for added crunch, flavor, and presentation.
Alternative Ingredients
- Whole wheat flour: Swap with spelt flour or more all-purpose flour for an alternative pumpkin spice bread experience.
- Olive oil or butter: Use melted coconut oil or neutral vegetable oil
- Brown sugar: Replace with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup
- Pumpkin puree: Try butternut squash or sweet potato puree
- Milk: Any plant-based milk works (almond, oat, soy)
Nutritional Benefits
- Supports Digestion: Fiber from whole grains, banana, and pumpkin helps regulate the gut, enhancing the delight of pumpkin spice recipes.
- Boosts Energy: Complex carbs provide steady fuel without quick crashes
- Strengthens Immunity: Antioxidants and vitamins from pumpkin and banana help defend against illness
- Promotes Healthy Skin: Vitamin A from pumpkin supports cell renewal and skin health
- Protects Heart Health: Unsaturated fats from olive oil aid in maintaining healthy cholesterol
- Builds Strong Bones: Minerals like calcium and magnesium contribute to bone strength
- Aids Muscle Repair: Protein from eggs supports muscle recovery and growth
Expert Tips
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir just until combined to avoid a dense loaf.
Use very ripe bananas: The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be, especially in variations like pumpkin spice banana blend.
Toast pumpkin seeds first: This enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch.
Tent with foil if browning too quickly: Cover the loaf loosely after 40 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Cool completely before slicing: This keeps the texture moist and prevents it from crumbling, making your pumpkin infused bread perfect at every slice.
FAQs
Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
No, you can use only all-purpose or only whole wheat.
Yes, the bread will still work but be less sweet.
Yes, use olive oil and plant-based milk.
Substitute mashed sweet potato or butternut squash.
Absolutely, chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit work well.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is delicious on its own, but try serving it warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese. It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or spiced tea for a cozy fall treat, enhancing the pumpkin flavors.
Storage Suggestions
Store Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
You’ll also enjoy:
- Banana Mochi Bread
- Gluten Free Blueberry Lemon Bread
- Saskatoon Berry Muffins
- Fig Muffins
- Peach Cobbler Muffins
- Gluten Free Zucchini Muffins
- Chocolate Covered Dates
- Caramel Apple Cookies
Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (90g)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup olive oil or unsalted butter melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar lightly packed
- 2 large eggs room temp
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 ripe banana mashed (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup milk (any type)
- 1/4-1/3 cup pumpkin seeds (optional)
- 1 small banana sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt.1 cup all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup whole wheat flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/2 tsp salt
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted olive oil (or butter), brown sugar, and eggs until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree, mashed banana, vanilla, and milk until well combined.1/3 cup olive oil or unsalted butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 cup pumpkin puree, 1 ripe banana, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/3 cup milk
- Gently fold dry ingredients into wet until just combined (don’t overmix).
- Pour batter into the loaf pan. If desired, press banana slices lightly into the top and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds.1/4-1/3 cup pumpkin seeds, 1 small banana
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Video
@cookinglikekate Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread 🍌🎃✨ The coziest mashup of fall flavors—moist, spiced, and topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds. Perfect with coffee on a chilly day! ☕🍂 #PumpkinSpiceBananaBread #BananaBread #PumpkinSeason #FallBaking #CozyRecipes ♬ We fell in love in october Girl in red Slowed – songs1minutes
Notes
- Use extra-ripe bananas for the sweetest flavor.
- Pumpkin puree should be plain, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Whole wheat flour adds heartiness but you can use all all-purpose if preferred.
- Swap pumpkin puree with sweet potato or butternut squash for a variation.
- Tent the loaf with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Bread slices freeze well; wrap individually for easy grab-and-go.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
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