Embrace the cozy flavors of fall with this delightful Pumpkin Banana Loaf! This recipe blends the creamy sweetness of ripe bananas with the spiced warmth of pumpkin, creating a perfectly moist and tender loaf that’s ideal for autumn. Enjoy it as a delicious breakfast, afternoon snack, or dessert. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing—or savoring all to yourself. Let’s dive into this easy, seasonal treat!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 3/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped nuts if desired.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Banana Loaf
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your loaf will be.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Customize with Add-Ins: Try adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds on top for extra flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Pumpkin Banana Loaf is delicious on its own but can also be dressed up for an extra-special treat:
- Warm with Butter: Spread a little butter on a warm slice for added richness.
- Cream Cheese Spread: Try it with a smear of cream cheese for a delightful contrast.
- Maple Glaze: Drizzle with a simple maple glaze (powdered sugar + maple syrup) for a sweet finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Banana Loaf is a fantastic way to celebrate the best of fall’s flavors. It’s wonderfully spiced, perfectly moist, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re sharing with family, serving at brunch, or enjoying a slice with coffee, this loaf is a seasonal delight that’s sure to become a favorite. Bake a loaf and embrace the comforting flavors of pumpkin and banana!