The Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Recipe for Fall Magic

Banana bread with a pumpkin spice twist offers a delectable autumn-inspired treat that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

Warm aromas of cinnamon and nutmeg will dance through your home while this delightful loaf bakes.

Seasonal baking becomes magical when classic recipes get a cozy makeover.

Ripe bananas merge perfectly with rich pumpkin pie spices, creating a moist and tender crumb.

Comfort meets creativity in this simple yet sophisticated quick bread variation.

Home bakers can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe with minimal effort.

You’ll adore how these humble ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Slice into this fragrant loaf and savor the season’s most comforting flavors.

What You Get from Pumpkin Spice and Banana in One Bread

  • Boost Comfort: Warm, cozy pumpkin spice and banana create a perfect blend of autumn-inspired comfort food that hugs your taste buds.
  • Incredibly Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps mean even beginner bakers can whip up this delightful bread without stress.
  • Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, this bread works wonderfully for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
  • Versatile Seasonal Treat: Combines classic banana bread with trendy pumpkin spice, making it ideal for fall gatherings, potlucks, or weekend baking adventures.

Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Ingredient Guide

Dry Ingredients:
  • All Purpose Flour: Base for the bread's structure.
  • Baking Soda: Helps bread rise and become fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor.
  • Pumpkin Spice: Adds warm, seasonal flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides richness and moisture.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and add structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor.
  • Pumpkin Puree: Contributes moisture and autumn taste.
  • Bananas: Adds natural sweetness and moisture.
Optional Topping:
  • No additional toppings mentioned in the recipe.

Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread How to Bake It Easily

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F and grab a loaf pan. Give the pan a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and toss in:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Pumpkin spice blend

Whisk these together until they’re perfectly combined and looking uniform.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of deliciousness.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Crack eggs into the butter-sugar mixture one at a time. Beat thoroughly after each egg to create a smooth, well-incorporated batter.

Step 5: Blend Wet Ingredients

Stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Mashed ripe bananas

Mix everything until it looks completely blended and smells amazing.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 7: Pour and Smooth Batter

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and create a smooth top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes, checking with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean from the center.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a cooling rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing into delectable pieces.

Banana Bread Tips for Pumpkin Spice Blends

  • Swap Flour for Healthier Options: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free flour to boost nutrition and accommodate dietary needs.
  • Prevent Sinking Bananas: Use overripe, nearly black bananas for maximum sweetness and ensure they're thoroughly mashed to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
  • Master Moisture Magic: Don't overmix the batter; stir just until ingredients combine to keep the bread tender and prevent a tough, dense texture.
  • Spice Intensity Control: Adjust pumpkin spice quantity based on personal preference, adding more for a robust flavor or less for a subtle hint.
  • Perfect Baking Technique: Check bread earlier than recommended baking time and tent with aluminum foil if top browns too quickly to prevent burning while ensuring thorough internal cooking.

Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Storage That Keeps It Soft

  • Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep bread away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
  • Wrap completely in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Place in a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat individual slices directly from frozen in a toaster or microwave.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. For crispier edges, toast in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Banana Bread with Pumpkin Spice Pairings

  • Pair with Warming Spiced Chai Latte: A creamy, aromatic chai tea perfectly complements the pumpkin spice notes in the banana bread, enhancing the warm autumn flavors and creating a cozy drinking experience.
  • Create a Cream Cheese Spread Companion: Whip softened cream cheese with a touch of honey and sprinkle of cinnamon to serve alongside the bread, adding a luxurious, tangy counterpoint to the sweet, spiced loaf.
  • Serve with Caramel Drizzle Topping: Pour a homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over a slice of bread to elevate the dessert, adding rich, buttery undertones that complement the pumpkin and banana flavors.
  • Enjoy with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top a warm slice with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream, creating a delightful contrast between the bread's warm spices and the cold, smooth dessert.

Baking Twists for Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

  • Gluten-Free Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Banana Bread: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed chia seeds or flax eggs, and use maple syrup instead of refined sugar for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Sugar Variation: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of regular sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining sweet flavor profile.
  • Nut-Infused Version: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into batter for added crunch and nutritional boost, enhancing texture and providing healthy fats.

FAQs

  • Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This will add more fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor to your banana bread.

  • Is pumpkin spice mix necessary for this recipe?

While pumpkin spice adds warmth and depth, you can make your own by mixing ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if you don’t have a pre-made blend.

  • How ripe should bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots. Overripe bananas are sweeter and softer, which helps create a moist and flavorful banana bread.

  • Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?

Absolutely! Fold in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter just before pouring into the pan for extra texture and flavor.

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Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread merges comforting autumn flavors with classic quick bread charm. Warm spices and ripe bananas create a moist, flavorful loaf perfect for enjoying with coffee or sharing with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice

Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and coat a loaf pan with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, whisking flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin spice until evenly distributed.
  3. In a separate large bowl, blend butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes pale and airy.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition to ensure a smooth, homogeneous batter.
  5. Introduce vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and mashed bananas, stirring until the wet ingredients are completely integrated.
  6. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to create an even surface and eliminate any air pockets.
  8. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and dry.
  9. Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure, then carefully remove and place on a cooling rack.
  10. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, precise cuts and optimal texture.

Notes

  • Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth creaming and better texture.
  • Overripe bananas provide maximum sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
  • Use fresh, high-quality spices to boost the pumpkin spice aroma and taste.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative that maintains moisture.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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