Easy Pumpkin Banana Bread with Walnuts and Cinnamon

Pumpkin and banana collide in this pumpkin banana bread recipe. This is a delicious pumpkin quick bread recipe paired with banana. Pumpkin puree, ripe bananas, pumpkin spice, and more are all in one delicious bread.

This is a great recipe to use up your ripe bananas. Just take mashed bananas and pumpkin puree and create this perfectly delicious moist pumpkin banana bread. The perfect bread for pumpkin season.

Fall is here, and quick breads are always welcome, but here are a few more of my favorite pumpkin pie spice flavored desserts. Try these mini pumpkin muffins, pumpkin swirl cheesecake bars, or these mini pumpkin pop tarts.

Still have some bananas left? Why not make a chocolate and banana icebox cake for another tasty fruit flavored treat?

What’s in This Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

• Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the foundation of this quick bread, providing structure and stability to the loaf.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents work together to ensure the bread rises properly, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice and Cinnamon: These warm spices elevate the flavor profile, giving the bread its quintessential fall taste with an aromatic hint of sweetness and spice.
• Salt: A small amount of salt enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness and deepening the taste.
• Granulated and Brown Sugar: Both sugars contribute to the sweetness and moistness of the bread, with brown sugar adding a subtle caramel-like depth of flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: This keeps the bread moist and tender, and can be substituted with canola oil if preferred.
• Eggs: Acting as a binder, eggs help to hold all the ingredients together while providing a rich texture.
• Canned Pumpkin: Pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix) infuses the bread with moisture and a mild pumpkin flavor.
• Banana: Ensure your banana is ripe with speckled brown skin to add natural sweetness and a creamy texture to the batter.
• Nuts: Walnuts or pecans introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the soft, moist bread.

Substitutions And Variations

• Flour: If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. This ensures the bread remains light and fluffy without compromising on texture.
• Sugar: For a healthier alternative, replace the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia. You can also use honey or maple syrup, but be mindful that these will add extra moisture to the batter.
• Oil: Swap the vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or even applesauce for a lower-fat version. Both options will maintain the bread’s moistness while offering different flavor nuances.
• Eggs: To make the recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg). This plant-based alternative provides a similar binding effect.
• Pumpkin Puree: Feel free to use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned. Simply roast and puree a pumpkin, and use it in place of the canned variety.
• Bananas: If you’re out of bananas, applesauce or mashed sweet potatoes can be used as a replacement. These will give a different flavor profile but maintain the bread’s moist texture.
• Nuts: For those with nut allergies or who prefer a different texture, omit the walnuts or pecans, or replace them with dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins. Chocolate chips can also be added for a sweeter variation.

Experimenting with these substitutions and variations can help you craft a pumpkin banana bread that caters to your taste preferences or dietary needs!

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread (step-by-step directions)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare your loaf pans with cooking spray, or use mini loaf pans if preferred. 
2. Mix the dry ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. (Photo 1)
3. In a mixing bowl, combine oil, eggs, pumpkin, and banana until well mixed. (Photo 2)
4. Add the dry ingredients to the mixture, ensuring you scrape down the sides of the bowl. (Photo 3)
5. Fold in the nuts and pour the batter into the prepared pans. (Photos 4 & 5)

1. Bake as directed and let the bread cool slightly before removing it from the pan. (Photo 6)

Recipe Tips

• Stir in 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips into the bread batter for added sweetness.
• Make sure to use overripe bananas as that is going to give you that banana flavor in the bread.
• Frost with a cream cheese frosting or even a powdered sugar glaze if you want. Just apply on cooled bread.
• Add 1/4 cup golden raisins to the bread batter.
• A rubber spatula is great for scraping the sides of the bowl to help make sure the dry and wet ingredients combine well in the large mixing bowl.

Storing Tips 

Storing—You can store this bread at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate it for 3-5 days. Refrigerating preserves the bread for a longer period of time.

Reheating – You can warm a slice of bread in the microwave or heat it in the oven. Just make sure to wrap the bread in aluminum foil to ensure it won’t dry out.

Freezing – Wrap your bread in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag and freeze for 3-6 months. Then, thaw on the counter or in the fridge overnight.

Serving Suggestions

• Butter and Jam: A classic way to enjoy a slice of pumpkin banana bread is simply spreading it with a pat of butter or a dollop of fruit jam or preserves. The richness of the butter complements the spiced flavors, while jam adds a sweet and fruity contrast.
• Cream Cheese Spread: Enhance your experience by pairing your bread with a spread of cream cheese or a spiced cream cheese frosting. The tanginess of the cream cheese pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spiced notes of the bread.
• Yogurt and Fresh Fruit: For a delightful breakfast or snack, serve a slice of the bread with a side of Greek yogurt and fresh fruit. This combination provides a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. You could even try making something like banana cream frozen yogurt for a complementing flavor.
• Nut Butter: Almond butter, peanut butter, or any other nut butter can be slathered on a slice to add extra protein and healthy fats, making it even more satisfying.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Pumpkin Recipes? Try These:

• Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
• Cheesecake Pumpkin Balls
• Pumpkin Bread Pudding
• Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
• Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
• See more pumpkin recipes!

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