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If you’re looking for a moist, flavorful, and healthy treat, you’re going to love this Pumpkin Banana Bread! It’s the perfect combination of sweet bananas and earthy pumpkin, packed with nutrients and super easy to make. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or as a midday snack, this loaf will be a hit with everyone in your home. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up ripe bananas and canned pumpkin. Let’s get baking, and you’ll soon be enjoying a delicious slice of this cozy, fall-inspired treat!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Banana Bread
- Healthy & Nutritious: Made with wholesome ingredients like bananas and pumpkin, this bread offers fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are great for your body.
- No Refined Sugar: This recipe uses natural sweetness from bananas and a touch of maple syrup, making it a healthier choice.
- Quick & Easy: With just a few steps and no fancy equipment needed, you’ll have this Pumpkin Banana Bread baking in no time.
- Perfect for Any Time of Day: Whether you want to enjoy it as a breakfast option or as a snack with a cup of tea, it’s versatile and delicious.
Ingredients
To make this Pumpkin Banana Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas – The riper, the better for extra sweetness.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree – Packed with vitamin A and antioxidants. Learn more about pumpkin’s health benefits here.
- 1/3 cup maple syrup – For natural sweetness. You can also use honey if preferred.
- 2 large eggs – Adds structure and moisture to the bread.
- 1/4 cup coconut oil – Healthy fats to keep the bread moist.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – For a warm flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour – Adds fiber and a hearty texture.
- 1 tsp baking soda – Helps the bread rise beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder – For additional leavening.
- 1 tsp cinnamon – Enhances the pumpkin flavor.
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg – Adds warmth and spice to the bread.
- Pinch of salt – To balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with a bit of coconut oil or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, eggs, coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together.
- Combine: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the bread dense.
- Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Slice, serve, and enjoy your warm, fresh Pumpkin Banana Bread!
Variations & Add-ins
Want to take your Pumpkin Banana Bread to the next level? Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate Chips: Add 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Nuts: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and protein.
- Spices: Feel free to play around with spices like ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the whole wheat flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Nutritional Information
This healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread is packed with good-for-you ingredients. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 6g
Want to learn more about the benefits of pumpkin? Check out this nutrition guide to discover why it’s a powerhouse for vitamins and antioxidants.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store your Pumpkin Banana Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it fresher for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste!
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree the pumpkin before using it in the recipe.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk instead of coconut oil.
Q: How can I make this bread extra moist?
A: Be sure to use very ripe bananas and measure the flour correctly (avoid over-packing the flour into your measuring cup).
This Pumpkin Banana Bread is not only delicious and satisfying, but it’s also a wholesome choice for you and your family. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast or as a snack, the natural sweetness from bananas and pumpkin makes it irresistible. Want more meal ideas? Check out my favorite lunch recipes in the Lunch Category. Happy baking!