Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe That Will Make Your Home Smell Like Fall

Pumpkin banana bread is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug. It’s a perfect blend of fall flavors with the sweetness of bananas. If you love banana bread, adding pumpkin takes it to the next level, creating a moist, slightly spiced loaf that you can enjoy at any time of day. Whether you’re looking to make it for your family, gift it to a friend, or keep a slice for yourself with your morning coffee, this pumpkin banana bread recipe will quickly become a favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s start with the basics. You won’t need anything fancy for this pumpkin banana bread recipe, just a few pantry staples and some seasonal ingredients.

• 2 ripe bananas (the more overripe, the better)
• 1 cup pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup sugar (brown or white, whichever you prefer)
• ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Simple Steps for a Delicious Loaf

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to make this loaf. Pumpkin banana bread is one of those no-fuss recipes that doesn’t require a lot of skill. Follow these easy steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth.
3. Add the pumpkin purée, eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir until everything is combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
5. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth out the top.
7. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Creative Ways to Serve Pumpkin Banana Bread

This bread is delicious on its own, but there are a few easy ways to change things up and make it even better. Here are some ideas:

Toast It

Toasted pumpkin banana bread with a little butter or cream cheese spread on top? Yes, please! The toasting brings out the flavors and adds a nice crunch to the edges. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Make It Fancy with Toppings

If you’re feeling a bit extra, top a slice with a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or even a spoonful of whipped cream. If you want to add some crunch, scatter chopped nuts or seeds on top. You can also add chocolate chips or cranberries to the batter before baking for an even more indulgent treat.

Turn It Into French Toast

Here’s a fun idea: turn your pumpkin banana bread into French toast. Just slice the bread, dip it in your favorite French toast mixture, and cook it on a skillet. It’s like a dessert-for-breakfast kind of dish, but no one’s complaining about that!

Serve It with Fall Beverages

A slice of pumpkin banana bread pairs beautifully with warm drinks like spiced chai, hot chocolate, or a good old cup of coffee. For something more seasonal, pumpkin spice lattes are a perfect match.

Creative Ways to Gift Pumpkin Banana Bread

Homemade gifts are always special, and pumpkin banana bread makes a great one. Here are a few fun ways to present it:

Wrapped in Parchment Paper

Wrap the cooled loaf in parchment paper and tie it up with some twine. Simple, but it gives off that cozy, handmade vibe that feels personal. You can add a little tag with a handwritten note to make it more heartfelt.

Mini Loaves for More Love

Bake your pumpkin banana bread in mini loaf pans to create smaller versions that are perfect for gifting. These are great for sharing with neighbors or giving to teachers. If you’re feeling fancy, wrap each mini loaf in a small tea towel for an extra touch of love.

If you use mini loaf pans for pumpkin banana bread, the baking time will be shorter. Mini loaves typically bake faster than a full-sized loaf because they are smaller and the heat reaches the center more quickly.

Here’s how to adjust:

• Temperature: Keep the oven temperature the same at 350°F (175°C).
• Time: Bake the mini loaves for 25 to 35 minutes, checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Just keep an eye on them, as ovens can vary, but reducing the time should give you perfectly baked mini loaves!

Add a Fall Touch

Tie a cinnamon stick or a little bundle of dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) around the wrapped loaf for a pretty, autumn-inspired gift. It doesn’t take much effort, but it makes the bread feel like a thoughtful, seasonal present.

Pair It with a Homemade Butter or Spread

Want to go the extra mile? Make a batch of homemade cinnamon honey butter or cream cheese spread to go along with the bread. Package it in a small mason jar with a ribbon and add it to the gift. It’s a small addition but makes a big impression.

Storing Your Pumpkin Banana Bread

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house), you’ll want to store your pumpkin banana bread properly.

• Room Temperature: You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
• Fridge: It will last about a week in the fridge. Just pop it in the microwave or toaster before eating to bring back that fresh-baked texture.
• Freezer: This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven.

The Perfect Fall Treat

Pumpkin banana bread is more than just a recipe; it’s comfort in a slice. Whether you’re serving it warm with a cup of coffee or gifting it to a friend, it’s one of those simple pleasures that makes you feel cozy inside. The combination of pumpkin and banana brings together the best of both worlds – the sweetness of ripe bananas and the subtle spice of pumpkin pie flavors.

This loaf isn’t just for fall, either. You can bake it all year long if you’re craving something sweet and comforting. It’s also versatile enough to play around with add-ins, from chocolate chips to walnuts. Each slice can be something a little different depending on your mood.

So next time you’re in the kitchen, grab those ripe bananas you’ve been meaning to use, open a can of pumpkin, and get baking. Pumpkin banana bread is a treat you’ll want to make again and again – whether for yourself or someone else.