Pumpkin Banana Bread

This Pumpkin Banana Bread combines the cozy warmth of pumpkin spice with the sweet richness of overripe bananas. Soft, moist, and topped with a luscious maple glaze, it’s a fall favorite you’ll want to make all year long. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

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Ingredients

For the Bread:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup 100% pumpkin puree
• 3 overripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Maple Glaze:

• 4 tbsp salted butter
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with softened butter and dust lightly with flour, tapping out the excess. Alternatively, line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and creamy.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
   Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Then whisk in the pumpkin puree, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract. The mixture may look slightly curdled—don’t worry, it will smooth out once the dry ingredients are added.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Mix the Batter
   Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. The batter will be thick—avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
6. Bake
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool
   Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
8. Make the Maple Glaze
   In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and maple syrup together in 30-second intervals until smooth. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until silky. For a thicker glaze, add a bit more powdered sugar.
9. Glaze and Serve
   Pour the glaze evenly over the cooled pumpkin banana bread. Optionally, sprinkle with a little sugar and pumpkin pie spice for a festive finish. Slice and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and flavorful: The blend of pumpkin and banana keeps every bite tender and rich.
• Perfectly spiced: Warm pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon make this loaf irresistibly cozy.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and a one-bowl batter mean less mess and stress.
• Crowd-pleaser: Ideal for sharing during the holidays or gifting to friends and neighbors.

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Tips

• Use very ripe bananas — they add natural sweetness and a soft texture.
• Make sure to measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling, not scooping.
• Don’t overmix once the flour is added — this helps keep the loaf light.
• Let the bread cool completely before glazing so the icing sets nicely.
• For extra flavor, toast a few chopped pecans or walnuts and sprinkle on top.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Dairy-free: Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries for texture.
• Healthier version: Swap half the butter for Greek yogurt or applesauce.
• Spice swap: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a deeper fall flavor.

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FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! Use homemade pumpkin puree — just make sure it’s thick and not watery.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Absolutely! Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How should I store it?
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it (without glaze) for up to 3 months.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or chai latte.
• Add a smear of cream cheese or butter for extra richness.
• Slice and pack for breakfast-on-the-go or a sweet afternoon snack.
• Perfect for fall brunches, bake sales, or cozy family gatherings.