Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread wafting through my kitchen. As the seasons shift and the leaves turn golden, I find myself reaching for my favorite recipes that bring warmth and comfort. This delightful bread is not just another baked good; it’s a cozy embrace on a chilly fall day. The combination of ripe bananas and fragrant pumpkin spice creates a harmony that’s irresistible, and every slice takes me back to cherished moments spent with loved ones. I remember the first time I baked this bread; the kitchen was filled with laughter, and the anticipation of enjoying a warm piece straight from the oven made it all the more special. Whether you’re sharing it at a gathering or savoring it alone with a cup of tea, this recipe captures the essence of autumn.

What’s In This Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

The ingredients for this Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread are simple yet powerful. Each one plays a crucial role in creating a loaf that’s bursting with flavor and moisture. The star players here are the overripe bananas that provide natural sweetness and the pumpkin pie spice that infuses the bread with that quintessential fall flavor. Together with flour and sugar, they create a delightful balance you won’t want to miss.

• 2 overripe bananas – The riper, the better! These should be mashed to add natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and contributes to the perfect texture.
• ½ cup (118ml) vegetable oil – Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• 2 large eggs – Provide structure and stability.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bread rise.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – The key spice that gives this bread its signature flavor.
• 7 tablespoons sour milk – You can create this by adding 1 teaspoon vinegar to regular milk. This acidity helps activate the baking soda.
• 2 cups (248g) all-purpose flour – The foundation of the bread.
• 1¾ cups (198g) powdered sugar – Used for the frosting to add sweetness.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – For the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice – Added for a hint of flavor in the frosting.
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla – Enhances the flavor profile.
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream – For the perfect frosting consistency.

Step by Step Guide for Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

Making Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is a breeze, and the steps are quite simple. Just gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the process. With a little patience and the right techniques, you’ll have a delicious loaf that fills your kitchen with warmth.

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial for ensuring your bread bakes evenly. Make sure to grease a 9×5 or 8×4 loaf pan with shortening or butter, then coat it with sugar. This sugaring step adds a lovely caramelization to the crust.
2. Next, take your overripe bananas and place them in a large bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash them until smooth. This should be easy if your bananas are ripe enough, as they will be very soft. Set this mixture aside.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the mixture is smooth and well combined. It should have a nice, glossy appearance.
4. Now, add in the mashed bananas, and stir until combined. This will bring all the flavors together beautifully. The mixture will be a bit thick but not dry.
5. Next, add in the baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and vanilla to the bowl, mixing well. You should see a nice blend of flavors starting to emerge.
6. Now it’s time to introduce the all-purpose flour and sour milk into the mixture. Stir gently until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that light, fluffy texture.
7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top. This will help it bake evenly and look nice when it rises.
8. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. The edges will be a dark brown, and you should see a nice crack down the middle.
9. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is essential, as it helps set the structure of the bread.
10. For the frosting, whisk together the powdered sugar, another pinch of pumpkin pie spice, and salt in a medium bowl. Gradually add in the vanilla and heavy whipping cream, adjusting to achieve the desired consistency.
11. Finally, frost your cooled banana bread and chill it to set. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Variations to Try

If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are some fun ways to customize your Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread to elevate its flavor. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste and make it uniquely yours!

• Add nuts: Consider mixing in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Incorporate chocolate chips: Chocolate pairs beautifully with banana and pumpkin spice; just fold in a cup of chocolate chips before baking.
• Try different spices: Experiment with cinnamon or nutmeg to create your own spice blend.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to make this bread gluten-free.
• Different frostings: Swap out the frosting for a cream cheese frosting for a tangy twist.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread, the possibilities are endless. Here are some delightful ideas to consider:

• Breakfast: Serve slices warm with a pat of butter for a cozy morning meal.
• Dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
• Brunch gatherings: This bread is a hit at brunch; consider serving it alongside fresh fruit and coffee.
• For the holidays: It makes a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving dessert table, offering a twist on traditional pumpkin desserts.
• Gift it: Wrap a loaf in decorative paper and give it as a thoughtful homemade gift to friends and family.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread not only captures the essence of fall but also brings people together with its cozy flavors. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, whether for a gathering or simply to enjoy at home. You’ll find it to be a delightful addition to your baking repertoire, and I’m sure it will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

The ultimate comfort food, Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is moist, sweet, and bursting with delightful flavors. Perfect for cozy fall days, this easy recipe makes an irresistible treat for any occasion. Bake it tonight and enjoy every bite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 210 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk
• Frying Pan
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2 pieces overripe bananas
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs large eggs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 7 tablespoons sour milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1¾ cup powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5 or 8×4” loaf pan with shortening or butter and coat it with sugar. Mash bananas in a large bowl with a fork or potato masher. Stir in oil, sugar, and eggs with a wooden spoon or spatula until smooth. Add in pumpkin spice, salt, baking soda, and vanilla and stir until well combined. Mix in flour and sour milk until just incorporated. Pour into prepared pan. Bake for 45-60 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let cool before frosting.

Notes

• Don’t skip the sour milk part! You can use buttermilk or mix 1 teaspoon vinegar and 7 tablespoons milk to sour it.
• Let the bread cool completely before frosting for best results.
• Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
• Always bake in a metal pan for best results.

Keyword Banana Bread recipe, Cozy Desserts, fall baking, Pumpkin Spice Bread

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Meet Sophia Hayes

I founded YumRecettes to turn my messy, joyful kitchen experiments into something I could share. While I steer the ship, I am first and foremost a cook. I love tackling every type of recipe, from grandmother’s old classics to modern fusion dishes. For me, the magic isn’t in a specific type of food, but in the act of preparing it. I’m usually the one urging the team to try that “one last idea” that ends up making the dish perfect.