Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, irresistible treat that perfectly captures the flavors of fall, you’ve just found it: Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread. This moist and fragrant loaf is the ultimate comfort food, blending ripe bananas with pumpkin puree and warm spices to create something truly special. Each bite offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and spice, making it a perfect companion to a morning coffee or an afternoon snack. Trust me, once you try this Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread, it’s going to become a beloved staple in your home baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s adding moisture, sweetness, warmth, or that perfect tender crumb.

• 2 large eggs: These bind everything together while adding richness and structure.
• 1 cup (200g) light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a slight caramel note for depth in flavor.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives this bread its signature warmth.
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg (ground or freshly grated): A pinch of nutmeg adds a subtle, aromatic kick.
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger: Brings a gentle zing that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/3 cup (60g) canola oil: Keeps the bread moist without weighing it down.
• 2 large overripe bananas or 3 small bananas: Provides natural sweetness and a tender crumb.
• 1/3 cup (75g) pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, vibrant color, and that unmistakable pumpkin flavor.
• 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the bread rise for a light, airy texture.
• 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing structure.

How to Make Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) is your first move, ensuring consistent heat for an even bake. Butter and flour a standard 9×4-inch loaf pan thoroughly; this simple step guarantees your bread releases effortlessly when it’s done, keeping the crust intact and gorgeous.

Step 2: Whisk Eggs, Sugar, Oil, and Spices

In a large bowl, vigorously whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup of light brown sugar until the mixture lightens and becomes a bit airy. Slowly pour in 1/3 cup of canola oil while continuing to whisk, which helps keep the texture silky. Now add the spices—1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, 1/2 tsp ground ginger—and 1/2 tsp salt. These spices infuse the batter with mouthwatering autumn aromas right from the start.

Step 3: Incorporate Bananas and Pumpkin Puree

Mash 2 overripe bananas (or 3 smaller ones) with a fork until mostly smooth but leaving a few delightful chunks for texture. Stir in 1/3 cup of pumpkin puree, then whisk everything into the egg and sugar base until well combined. This combo ensures every forkful bursts with moist, fruity goodness and that signature Pumpkin Spice touch.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

Gently add 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 tsp baking soda to the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined—stop when you still see a few lumps to avoid overworking the batter. This careful mixing keeps the bread tender and gives it that perfect crumb.

Step 5: Optional: Top with Banana Slice

For a charming, rustic presentation, slice a banana lengthwise and place a single slice on top of the batter before baking. It not only looks inviting but adds a lovely caramelized banana note on the crust.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, keeping an eye for that satisfying spring-back when lightly pressed and a cake tester coming out clean. This signals your Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is perfectly baked.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the bread rest in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then transfer it to a cooling rack so it cools completely before slicing. This step helps the loaf set up properly, making slicing neater and preserving its moist interior.

How to Serve Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

Garnishes

A light spread of softened butter, a drizzle of honey, or even a sprinkle of chopped nuts create a simple yet delicious garnish that enhances the flavors without overpowering the natural sweetness. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty finish that’s just right for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread pairs beautifully with a steaming cup of chai latte, coffee, or even a spiced hot cocoa. If you want to turn it into a proper breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries or a warm bowl of oatmeal to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread into thick slabs and toasting them lightly, then spreading with cream cheese and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Another fun idea is turning the bread into French toast, soaking slices in egg mixture and frying them up for a special weekend treat. Either way, this bread is versatile enough to inspire your creativity.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover sweet pumpkin spice banana bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil at room temperature to keep it moist and delicious for up to three days. You can also store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. This makes it easy to enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick snack later.

Reheating

To bring the bread back to that fresh-baked warmth, pop slices in the toaster or microwave lightly. This revives the moist, tender crumb and enhances the spices’ aroma, making every bite feel like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin puree for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and offers consistent texture and flavor, making it a convenient choice for Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread.

What if I don’t have all the spices on hand?

You can swap spice combinations based on what you have. Ground cinnamon alone will give great flavor, or try adding pumpkin pie spice as a substitute for the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.

Can I substitute the canola oil with something else?

Yes! Neutral oils like vegetable or sunflower oil work well. You can also use melted coconut oil for a subtle coconut undertone that pairs nicely with the pumpkin and bananas.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Very ripe bananas with brown spots or patches are ideal. They are sweeter and mash more easily, contributing to a moist and flavorful Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread.

Is this bread gluten-free?

This particular recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends, keeping in mind that texture and rise may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting and joyful about baking Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread. The way the warm spices mingle with sweet bananas and pumpkin will fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma that feels like a hug from the inside. Whether you’re baking for yourself, friends, or family, this bread is guaranteed to delight and bring smiles. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a treasured favorite in your home too!

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