Moist Pumpkin Banana Bread with a Spiced Crumb Topping

Spiced Pumpkin Banana Bread

This delightfully moist and flavorful bread perfectly marries the comforting spices of pumpkin with the sweet, tender notes of ripe bananas, creating a superb treat for any time of day.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups mashed ripe bananas about 3-4 medium, very ripe
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips dark or semi-sweet, optional

Equipment

• 9×5 inch Loaf Pan
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Medium Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper leaving an overhang on the long sides for easy removal.

Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves until well combined. Set aside.

Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly. Add the pumpkin puree, large eggs, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Whisk until all wet ingredients are smoothly combined.

Mix and Bake

1. Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredient mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
2. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts/pecans or chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
3. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
4. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
5. Let the bread cool in the loaf pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan. Allow it to cool completely on the wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

For the best banana flavor, use very ripe bananas (brown spots all over the peel). Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. This bread also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

Pro Tips for Making This Pumpkin Banana Bread

Baking, for me, is a journey of discovery, and I’ve picked up a few little secrets over the years that I love to share. When it comes to our delicious Pumpkin Banana Bread, these tips will help you achieve perfection every single time!

My Secret Trick: I always make sure my bananas are extra ripe — the browner, the better! This truly intensifies their natural sweetness and moisture, making your Pumpkin Banana Bread incredibly flavorful and tender.

Don’t overmix the batter! Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf, and we want ours to be wonderfully soft and tender.

For that perfect crumb topping, use cold butter. This helps create those lovely, distinct crumbles that bake up beautifully golden and crisp on top of your Pumpkin Banana Bread.

Always allow your loaf to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This gives the bread a chance to set, preventing it from falling apart and ensuring a beautifully shaped loaf.

Fun Variations for Pumpkin Banana Bread

One of the things I adore most about baking is the freedom to get creative and make a recipe truly your own! This Pumpkin Banana Bread is wonderfully adaptable, and I encourage you to play with flavors.

Nutty Surprises

While walnuts and pecans are classic, feel free to experiment with other nuts. My sister loves when I add toasted chopped almonds for a different texture, or even a sprinkle of pepitas (pumpkin seeds) on top for an extra autumn crunch.

Chocolate Lover’s Dream

For those who simply can’t resist a chocolatey touch, swirling in some chocolate chips or chunks is a glorious idea. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with the warm spices, but milk chocolate or even white chocolate would also be delightful additions to this sweet loaf.

A Touch of Fruit

Consider adding a handful of dried cranberries or golden raisins to the batter. They’ll plump up as the bread bakes, adding little bursts of tartness and chewiness that complement the pumpkin and banana perfectly. A friend once asked me to add diced crystallized ginger, and it was absolutely divine!

What to Serve With Pumpkin Banana Bread

This delightful Pumpkin Banana Bread is truly wonderful all on its own, but sometimes, a little accompaniment can elevate it into an even more special treat. It’s all about creating those lovely moments around the table!

I adore serving a warm slice with a generous dollop of cream cheese frosting – just a simple swirl makes it feel extra decadent. For a lighter touch, a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt or a side of fresh berries offers a lovely balance. My mom always insists on a steaming mug of her favorite herbal tea alongside, especially on a chilly afternoon. And of course, a good cup of coffee is always a perfect companion!

How to Store Pumpkin Banana Bread

Knowing how to properly store your homemade treats ensures every bite is as fresh and delicious as the first. This Pumpkin Banana Bread keeps beautifully, so you can savor it for days!

Keeping it Fresh on the Counter

Once completely cooled, wrap your loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the crumb tender and moist. My personal tip is to place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any excess moisture and prevent sogginess.

Freezing for Later Enjoyment

For longer storage, Pumpkin Banana Bread freezes exceptionally well! Wrap the cooled loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature, or warm gently in the oven for that freshly baked taste.

Nutritional Benefits

This wonderful loaf, featuring real fruit and wholesome ingredients, offers more than just comfort. With ripe bananas providing potassium and pumpkin puree delivering vitamins A and C, our Pumpkin Banana Bread is a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of creating joyful desserts with simple goodness.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This helps maintain the perfect moisture balance in your Pumpkin Banana Bread.

Faq 2

Do I have to use the crumb topping?
Not at all! The crumb topping adds a lovely texture and spiced flavor, but your Pumpkin Banana Bread will still be wonderfully moist and delicious without it. Feel free to omit it if you prefer.

Faq 3

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
The best way to tell is to insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your Pumpkin Banana Bread is ready to come out of the oven!

Faq 4

Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Yes, you certainly can! Divide the batter into a greased muffin tin, filling each cup about two-thirds full. Bake at the same temperature for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about baking a treat like this Moist Pumpkin Banana Bread with a Spiced Crumb Topping. It’s a recipe that invites warmth into your home, fills your kitchen with incredible aromas, and promises those delightful moments of sharing and joy around the table. I truly hope you’ll gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and create some sweet memories of your own. Happy baking, my dear friends – may your kitchens always be filled with love and the scent of homemade goodness!