Pumpkin Banana Bread (Ultra Moist, Cozy & Perfect for Fall)

Pumpkin banana bread is the ultimate comfort bake. It combines the natural sweetness and softness of ripe bananas with the warm, earthy flavor of pumpkin and gentle spices. The result is a loaf that’s deeply moist, softly spiced, and incredibly comforting perfect for cool mornings, cozy afternoons, or anytime you want something homemade and satisfying.

This recipe is especially wonderful because pumpkin and banana work beautifully together. Bananas bring sweetness and moisture, while pumpkin adds richness and structure without making the bread heavy. Every slice is tender, flavorful, and softly spiced, with a texture that stays moist for days.

The best part? This recipe is simple and beginner-friendly. No mixer, no complicated steps just a bowl, a spoon, and a loaf pan. If you love classic banana bread and pumpkin treats, this loaf will quickly become a favorite.

Let’s bake a warm, cozy pumpkin banana bread, step by step.

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Why This Pumpkin Banana Bread Works

• Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and softness
• Pumpkin purée adds moisture and structure
• Brown sugar deepens flavor and keeps the loaf tender
• Warm spices create cozy fall vibes
• Gentle mixing ensures a soft crumb

Key Tip: Use pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon cloves or ginger (optional)

Wet Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas (very soft)
• 1 cup pumpkin purée
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup oil or melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

• Chocolate chips
• Chopped walnuts or pecans
• Pumpkin seeds (for topping)

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Step-by-Step Instructions (With Image Prompts)

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 170°C / 340°F. Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving extra paper over the sides for easy removal.

This helps the loaf bake evenly and prevents sticking.

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Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Add the ripe bananas to a large bowl and mash them with a fork until mostly smooth. Small lumps are perfectly fine.

Do not over-mash—a little texture is good.

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Step 3: Add Pumpkin Purée

Stir the pumpkin purée into the mashed bananas until well combined.

This creates the moist base of the bread.

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Step 4: Add Oil or Melted Butter

Pour in the oil or melted butter and mix until smooth.

This step keeps the bread soft and tender, not dry.

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Step 5: Add Sugar, Eggs & Vanilla

Mix in the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Brown sugar enhances pumpkin spice flavor.

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Step 6: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

This ensures spices are evenly distributed.

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Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined.

• Batter should be thick and smooth
• Do NOT overmix

Overmixing makes the bread dense.

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Step 8: Add Optional Mix-Ins

Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts if using.

This adds texture and extra flavor.

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Step 9: Pour Batter into the Pan

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or nuts on top if desired.

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Step 10: Bake the Bread

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.

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Step 11: Cool Completely

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then lift it out using parchment paper and cool fully on a wire rack.

Important: Cooling helps the pumpkin crumb set properly.

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Step 12: Slice & Serve

Slice once fully cooled. Enjoy plain, toasted, or with butter or cream cheese.

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How to Know Your Pumpkin Banana Bread Is Perfect

• Moist, tender crumb
• Warm pumpkin spice aroma
• Evenly baked center
• Soft but sliceable texture

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using pumpkin pie filling
❌ Overmixing the batter
❌ Baking at high heat
❌ Cutting while hot

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Easy Variations You Can Try

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Banana Bread
• Nutty Version with pecans or walnuts
• Dairy-Free Version (use oil)
• Extra-Spiced Version (add pumpkin spice mix)

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Storage & Freezing Tips

• Store at room temperature for 2 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Freeze slices individually for 2 months

This loaf tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.

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Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Banana Bread is cozy, moist, and full of warm seasonal flavor. It’s the perfect way to use ripe bananas and pumpkin purée in one comforting bake that feels homemade and special.

Once you make it, it’ll become a fall favorite you bake again and again 🎃🍌💛

Also read on Sourdough Banana Bread