Description
This Pumpkin Banana Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm, comforting spices of pumpkin spice. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, this easy-to-make bread features a tender crumb enriched with pumpkin puree and optionally topped with crunchy pecans for added texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unbleached all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice
Wet Ingredients
- 3 medium very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup pureed pumpkin
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, unpacked
- 1 large egg white
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Other
- Baking spray (for greasing the loaf pan)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan evenly with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the unbleached all purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg white, whole egg, mashed bananas, pureed pumpkin, and vanilla extract at medium speed until the batter thickens. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
- Combine Mixtures: Add the dry flour mixture and the chopped pecans (if using) to the wet ingredients. Blend everything at low speed just until combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it on the center oven rack. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes. Remove and let it reach room temperature before slicing for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a moist, tender crumb.
- Using very ripe bananas enhances the natural sweetness and flavor.
- Substituting nuts or omitting them entirely can customize texture preferences.
- Allowing the bread to cool properly before slicing helps prevent crumbling.
- This bread can be stored tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American