Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread: Moist, Flavorful, and Perfectly Spiced
Autumn flavors meet classic comfort in this Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread, a cozy loaf that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm, earthy notes of pumpkin and aromatic spices. Every slice delivers a soft, tender crumb, lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a seasonal dessert.
Adding pumpkin to banana bread not only enhances flavor but also boosts moisture and nutritional value, contributing fiber, vitamins, and a subtly sweet taste that pairs beautifully with the natural sugars in bananas. The aroma of pumpkin spice filling the kitchen while this loaf bakes is enough to make anyone feel instantly cozy and festive.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas (mashed) | 3 medium | 315 kcal |
| Pumpkin Puree | ½ cup | 50 kcal |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 ½ cups | 660 kcal |
| All-Purpose Flour | ½ cup | 225 kcal |
| Brown Sugar | ½ cup | 415 kcal |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 kcal |
| Unsalted Butter (melted) | ¼ cup | 400 kcal |
| Baking Soda | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp | 2 kcal |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 kcal |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
| Nutmeg | ½ tsp | 3 kcal |
| Cloves (ground) | ¼ tsp | 1 kcal |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp | 12 kcal |
| Optional: Chopped Walnuts | ½ cup | 400 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2: Mash Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until fully combined.
3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5: Add Optional Ingredients
Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor if desired.
6: Pour Batter into Pan
Transfer batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7: Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check around 50 minutes, as ovens may vary.
8: Cool
Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or pumpkin seeds enhance texture and flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: Reduce sugar slightly or use natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
- Make It Vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (2 tbsp flaxseed + 6 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based butter.
- Spice Variation: Increase cinnamon or nutmeg for a more intense pumpkin spice flavor.
- Moisture Boost: Add 2–3 tbsp applesauce or Greek yogurt for extra soft bread.
- Topping Option: Sprinkle coarse sugar or cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice)
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~239 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 17g |
Pumpkin adds fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants, while bananas provide natural sweetness and potassium. Optional walnuts increase protein and healthy fats.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with butter, nut butter, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or a spiced latte for a cozy autumn treat.
- Top with yogurt or cream cheese for breakfast or brunch.
- Slice and enjoy as a wholesome snack or light dessert.
Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread: Moist, Flavorful, and Perfectly Spiced
10 slices
servings15
minutes50
minutes239
kcalIngredients
3 medium ripe bananas, mashed
½ cup pumpkin puree
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash bananas. Add pumpkin puree, melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine: Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cool 10–15 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack before slicing.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots add natural sweetness and moisture, creating a tender, flavorful bread.
Pumpkin Puree: Both canned and homemade pumpkin puree work. Ensure it’s well-pureed and not too watery.
FAQs
1. Can I make this bread without eggs?
Yes! Use flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water per egg) or chia eggs as a vegan substitute. They help bind the bread and maintain moisture.
2. Do I need canned pumpkin or fresh pumpkin?
You can use either! Canned pumpkin puree is convenient and consistent, while cooked and mashed fresh pumpkin works as well. Make sure it’s cooked and well-pureed.
3. How ripe should the bananas be?
Very ripe bananas with brown spots are best. They add natural sweetness and moisture, creating a tender, flavorful bread.
4. Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes. You can reduce brown sugar slightly or substitute part with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Keep in mind bananas add sweetness too.
5. Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, chocolate chips, or dried fruits are excellent mix-ins. Fold them in gently to avoid overmixing the batter.
Conclusion
Sweet Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is the ultimate seasonal treat—moist, flavorful, and perfectly spiced. Combining ripe bananas and pumpkin with aromatic spices creates a bread that’s wholesome yet indulgent. Simple to make, versatile, and packed with nutrients, this bread is perfect for fall mornings, cozy afternoons, or any time you crave a comforting homemade loaf.
