Looking for a moist, flavorful, and easy quick bread that combines the warm spices of fall with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas? This Pumpkin Banana Loaf is your answer! It’s packed with pumpkin puree, overripe bananas, and autumn spices, making it the ultimate treat for cozy mornings, snacks, or holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the best of pumpkin bread and banana bread.
- Super moist and full of flavor thanks to the pumpkin puree and bananas.
- Easy preparation with no fancy equipment required.
- Perfect as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert.
If you love baked treats, you should also try these Banana Bread Brownies. They are the perfect blend of fudgy texture and banana sweetness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Pumpkin Banana Loaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Pumpkin puree: Use 100% canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Overripe bananas: The riper, the better! Bananas with brown spots add natural sweetness.
- Dark brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramelized sweetness.
- Eggs: Helps bind the batter together.
- Melted butter: Ensures a tender crumb and rich flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the loaf.
- Pumpkin pie spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves.
- Baking soda: Helps the loaf rise perfectly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mash and Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
4. Bake the Loaf
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For another delightful fall recipe, check out this Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta French Toast for a savory twist to your breakfast.
Optional Maple Glaze
Take your Pumpkin Banana Loaf to the next level with this simple maple glaze:
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter with 1/3 cup of pure maple syrup.
- Whisk in 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled loaf and allow it to set before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Add texture: Mix in chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
- Healthier version: Replace half the sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Muffins: Divide the batter into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes.
For more easy recipes, check out this Ground Beef Pasta Recipe, a family favorite that pairs perfectly with fall meals.
How to Store and Freeze
- Storage: Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, let slices sit at room temperature or warm in a toaster oven.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes! Cook and puree fresh pumpkin, but make sure to drain any excess water.
2. How ripe do bananas need to be?
The riper, the better. Bananas with brown spots or turning black work best.
3. Can I skip the maple glaze?
Absolutely. The loaf is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness.
4. How do I know when the loaf is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Conclusion
This Pumpkin Banana Loaf is the ultimate blend of two favorite fall classics—pumpkin bread and banana bread. It’s moist, spiced, and so easy to make. Whether enjoyed plain or topped with a maple glaze, this quick bread is guaranteed to become a staple in your home.
For more baking inspiration, try these Banana Bread Brownies, a decadent treat that combines the best of brownies and banana bread.
Now grab your ingredients and start baking your new favorite fall loaf! 🍂