Name: Pumpkin Banana Nut Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp pumpkin spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves); 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed; 1 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened); 3/4 cup granulated sugar or brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or neutral oil); 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bread delivers the best of both worlds—banana bread’s tender texture and pumpkin bread’s seasonal warmth. It’s an ideal make-ahead bake, freezes beautifully, and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma while baking. The addition of nuts provides satisfying crunch and extra nutrition. Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or with a smear of cream cheese for a treat that feels indulgent but is still wholesome.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Pumpkin spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
Ripe bananas (mashed)
Pumpkin puree (unsweetened)
Granulated sugar or brown sugar
Eggs
Unsalted butter (melted) or neutral oil
Vanilla extract
Chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin spice blend.
In a large mixing bowl, mash bananas until smooth. Stir in pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, melted butter or oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined—do not overmix.
Fold in chopped nuts.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Servings and timing

Makes 1 standard loaf (about 10–12 slices).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 55–65 minutes
Cooling time: 10–15 minutes

Variations

Add chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Use half whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
Swap nuts for sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Add shredded coconut for extra texture.
Stir in dried cranberries or raisins for bursts of sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 6 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature or gently reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree?

Yes, just make sure it’s well-drained and smooth to avoid excess moisture in the bread.

Can I make this bread without nuts?

Absolutely, simply omit them or replace with seeds for texture.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works well and keeps the bread extra moist.

How ripe should the bananas be?

They should be very ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.

Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes, bake at the same temperature for 18–22 minutes.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can cut it by up to one-third without affecting the structure, though it will be less sweet.

Does it freeze well?

Yes, wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.

Can I add more spices?

Absolutely—extra cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.

What’s the best way to keep it moist?

Store it wrapped or in an airtight container, and avoid overbaking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in two loaf pans or a larger pan, adjusting baking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Banana Nut Bread is a cozy, flavorful quick bread that’s simple to make yet rich in taste and texture. With its blend of sweet bananas, earthy pumpkin, and crunchy nuts, it’s a versatile bake that works for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Perfect for enjoying warm from the oven or saved for later, this bread brings comforting autumn flavors to every slice.