Easy Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

When pumpkin season rolls around, there’s nothing cozier than filling your kitchen with the sweet scent of warm spices and fresh-baked bread. This Pumpkin Banana Bread blends the best of two beloved classics—the moist, rich texture of banana bread and the comforting fall flavors of pumpkin pie. Whether you’re baking for your family, the neighbors, or just for yourself (because, yes, you deserve it!), this easy pumpkin banana bread recipe is the perfect go-to for chilly mornings and late-night treats.

With its moist crumb, spiced aroma, and golden top, it’s a delightful twist on old fashioned banana bread that’ll make you wish pumpkin season lasted all year long.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Banana Bread

This banana bread recipe is all about balance. You get the natural sweetness and moisture from ripe bananas, the earthy richness of pumpkin puree, and the warm blend of cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. It comes together in one bowl, bakes up like a dream, and keeps beautifully for days. Add walnuts for a little crunch or leave it plain for a soft, spiced loaf that’s impossible to resist.

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Ingredients for Pumpkin Banana Bread

Each ingredient plays an important role in delivering flavor, moisture, and structure to the final loaf:

• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups) – Provides the structure of the bread. Be sure to spoon and level your flour instead of scooping it straight from the bag to avoid packing too much in and making the loaf dense.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice (2 tsp) – A flavorful blend typically including cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. If you don’t have a store-bought mix, you can easily make your own (see Notes below).
• Cinnamon (1/2 tsp) – While pumpkin pie spice already includes cinnamon, adding a little extra enhances the warm flavor and complements the banana beautifully.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder – The combo of these two leavening agents ensures your loaf rises perfectly without becoming too airy or too dense.
• Salt (1/4 tsp) – Essential for enhancing all the sweet and warm flavors.
• Vegetable Oil (1/2 cup) – Keeps the bread moist. You can substitute with melted coconut oil or even unsweetened applesauce if you prefer a lighter option.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar (1/2 cup each) – Using both gives the bread a balance of sweetness and depth. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
• Eggs (2 large) – These help bind the ingredients and add structure. Let them come to room temperature before using for optimal texture and even mixing.
• Vanilla Extract (2 tsp) – A subtle background flavor that rounds out the spices.
• Mashed Bananas (2 medium) – Use bananas that are heavily speckled or completely brown for the sweetest flavor and moistest texture.
• Pumpkin Puree (1 cup) – Be sure to use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices that can throw off the balance of the recipe.
• Chopped Walnuts (1/2 cup, optional) – These add a delightful crunch and a nutty richness that complements the soft loaf.

How to Make Pumpkin Banana Bread

Making this pumpkin banana bread is straightforward, but let’s break it down with a few extra pointers to help you nail it every time:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Set your oven to 350°F and grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly. Flour it lightly or line with parchment for easy removal. If using parchment, let it overhang the sides so you can lift the bread out like a sling.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution so you don’t end up with a clump of spice or soda in one bite.
3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the oil, sugars, eggs, and vanilla until the mixture looks smooth and slightly thickened. Don’t skimp on whisking here—this helps incorporate air into the batter.
4. Add Banana & Pumpkin: Mash your bananas with a fork (some lumps are okay) and stir them into the wet mixture, followed by the pumpkin puree. The batter should take on a gorgeous orange hue and smell like autumn.
5. Combine Dry with Wet: Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet bowl. Use a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together. Avoid overmixing, which can make the loaf tough. Stop stirring as soon as no dry flour streaks remain.
6. Fold in Nuts: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts evenly. Save a few to sprinkle on top for added texture and a pretty finish.
7. Pour and Smooth: Transfer the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to even out the top. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to pop any large air bubbles.
8. Bake: Position the loaf pan on the middle oven rack and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. When the top turns a rich golden brown and feels set, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool Completely: Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before removing. Place it on a wire rack and allow it to cool fully before slicing. This helps prevent crumbling and locks in moisture.

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Equipment Needed

To make your baking experience smooth and stress-free, have the following tools handy:

• Mixing bowls – Use two separate bowls—one for combining the dry ingredients and another for whisking the wet ingredients.
• Whisk & Spatula – For smooth mixing and gentle folding.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements = perfect texture.
• Loaf pan (9×5 inch) – The ideal size for this recipe.
• Parchment paper (optional) – For easy loaf removal.
• Cooling rack – Allows air to circulate and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Toothpick or cake tester – For checking doneness.

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your loaf turns out perfect every time:

• Use the right loaf pan size – A smaller 8×4-inch pan will cause overflow. Stick with 9×5.
• Watch your oven – Oven temps vary, so check the loaf at 50 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
• Let it rest – The flavors deepen as it cools. This bread tastes even better the next day!
• Slice with a serrated knife – It gives cleaner slices, especially when the bread is moist.
• Freeze for later – Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight or pop in the toaster oven.

Variations To Try

Want to change things up a bit? Here are a few creative twists to make this recipe your own:

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Banana Bread – Swap out the walnuts for 3/4 cup of chocolate chips. Mini chocolate chips work especially well because they distribute evenly throughout the loaf.
• Cranberry-Pecan Version – Add 1/2 cup dried cranberries and swap walnuts for pecans. The tart-sweet combo is perfect for the holidays.
• Gluten-Free Twist – Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure your baking powder and soda are gluten-free too!
• Lower Sugar Option – Reduce both sugars to 1/3 cup each, or use coconut sugar for a more natural alternative.
• Spice Boost – Add a dash of ground cloves or allspice to deepen the spice profile.
• Coconut Pumpkin Banana Bread – Mix in 1/3 cup shredded coconut for extra texture and a touch of tropical flavor.
• Muffin Version – Pour the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. Great for portion control and easy freezing.

Serving Suggestions

This pumpkin banana bread is delicious all on its own, but here are a few fun ways to serve it:

• Toasted with Butter or Cream Cheese – Perfect for chilly mornings.
• With Maple Glaze – Mix powdered sugar with a bit of maple syrup and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
• Banana Bread Parfait – Layer slices with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.
• Pack in Lunchboxes – A sweet surprise that still feels wholesome.
• With Pumpkin Spice Latte – Because more pumpkin is never a bad idea.

More Banana Bread You’ll Love

• Raspberry Dark Chocolate Banana Bread
• Banana Bread with Nuts and Raisins
• Gluten Free Banana Bread No Sugar
• Healthy Banana Oat Bread
• Cinnamon Crumble Banana Bread
• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

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FAQs about Pumpkin Banana Bread

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Banana Bread is everything you love about fall baking. It’s moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a quiet weekend at home, this banana bread recipe will warm your heart and fill your kitchen with the coziest scent.

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Tried it? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add chocolate chips or go nut-free? Leave a comment and let me know. And don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest for more delicious old fashioned banana bread recipes and autumn baking ideas!