Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Recipe
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If you’ve ever wanted to cozy up your kitchen with a loaf that tastes like autumn wrapped in a hug, this Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is your new best friend. It beautifully combines the rich, mellow sweetness of overripe bananas with the warm, inviting notes of pumpkin pie spice, creating a bread that’s tender, flavorful, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee or looking for a comforting afternoon treat, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of moist texture and aromatic spices that make Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread absolutely unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the magic starts with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each one plays an important role—from the soft bananas adding natural sweetness and moisture to the pumpkin pie spice bringing that iconic cozy flavor that defines this bread.
- Overripe bananas (2): These provide natural sweetness and a moist, tender crumb that’s key for banana bread.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup, 150g): Adds sweetness and helps with a light golden crust.
- Vegetable oil (½ cup, 118ml): Keeps the bread wonderfully moist without weighing it down.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give the bread structure.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Provides a warm, fragrant background note that deepens the flavor.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): The leavening agent that helps lift the bread beautifully.
- Pumpkin pie spice (1 ½ teaspoons): The star spice blend with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves for that unmistakable autumn taste.
- Sour milk, 7 tablespoons: (or add 1 teaspoon vinegar to regular milk) adds tenderness and a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups, 248g): The base that holds everything together with a perfect crumb texture.
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, grease your loaf pan generously with butter or shortening and coat it with sugar. This extra step creates a lovely sweet crust on the outside, making each bite a little more special. Do not substitute butter with cooking spray if you want that sugary crust, but if you’re in a pinch, cooking spray works just fine too.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas and Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, mash those overripe bananas with a fork or potato masher until smooth and creamy. Stir in the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs using a wooden spoon or spatula until fully combined. This mixture forms the rich base of your Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread, infusing it with moisture and natural sweetness.
Step 3: Add Spices and Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine those cozy flavors throughout. Then, gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and sour milk. Be gentle—stir until just incorporated to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps your bread tender and soft.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Baking can take anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your oven. Look for a deep golden-brown crust, a central crack, and that classic toothpick test: if it comes out clean, you’re good to go. Use a metal pan for best results, as glass pans can affect baking time and texture.
Step 5: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, cool your loaf completely before removing it from the pan. While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, salt, vanilla, and heavy cream to create a silky glaze bursting with that autumnal charm. Spread it generously over the loaf and pop it in the fridge to set, turning an already amazing bread into a show-stopper.
How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread
Garnishes
A smooth pumpkin spice glaze is perfect, but why stop there? Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add a wonderful crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the spices. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup can also elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
Serve this Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread alongside a steaming cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider for a full sensory autumn celebration. Creamy yogurt or a spread of cream cheese also complements the richness of the loaf and brings a tangy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the bread into thick, generous pieces and serve as a base for toasted nut butters or fruit preserves. For a fun twist, cube the bread and layer it in parfaits with whipped cream and fresh berries, or even turn slices into French toast for an indulgent breakfast treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and delicious for up to three days—perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bread for longer, slice it and freeze the pieces individually. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. When you want a treat, just thaw at room temperature or pop the slice straight into the toaster or oven.
Reheating
Warm your slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly for a freshly baked feel. The glaze softens a bit when warmed, making each bite melt in your mouth with that perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of sour milk?
Yes, you can simply add a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes to create sour milk. This acidity helps keep the bread moist and tender.
What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?
No worries! You can make your own by combining cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves in the right proportions. This blend captures the exact warm flavors that make Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread so special.
Can I substitute oil with butter?
Butter will add a richer flavor but may make the bread slightly denser. If you use melted butter, keep the same quantity and your bread will still be deliciously moist.
Why does the bread crack on top?
A crack down the center is actually a hallmark of a well-baked loaf—it allows steam to escape and signals that the bread rose properly in the oven!
How do I know when the bread is done?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Diving into a slice of this Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread feels like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket on a crisp day. It’s approachable to make, endlessly comforting, and utterly delicious—a recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to year-round. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your baking repertoire as it did in mine!
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PrintPumpkin Spice Banana Bread Recipe
This Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with warm, aromatic pumpkin pie spice for a moist, flavorful treat perfect for fall or anytime comfort baking. Topped with a spiced vanilla glaze, it’s a delightful twist on classic banana bread that’s sure to please all ages.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices) 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 overripe bananas
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (118ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 7 tablespoons sour milk (or add 1 teaspoon vinegar to milk to sour it)
- 2 cups (248g) all purpose flour
For the Glaze:
- 1 ¾ cups (198g) powdered sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 or 8×4-inch loaf pan generously with butter or shortening. Then, coat the greased pan with about 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar by tilting and turning the pan until the bottom and sides are evenly covered. This helps create a sweet crust. Avoid using cooking spray as a substitute for butter in this step, though sugar coating can be skipped if desired.
- Mash Bananas & Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mash the overripe bananas thoroughly using a fork or potato masher. Stir in vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs using a wooden spoon or spatula until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Add Spices and Leavening: Incorporate pumpkin pie spice, salt, baking soda, and vanilla extract into the banana mixture. Stir gently to combine evenly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk: Add the all-purpose flour to the mixture followed by the sour milk (made by adding 1 teaspoon vinegar to milk if not using prepared sour milk). Stir until just incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. The edges should be a dark golden brown, and the loaf will have a crack running along the top. Use a metal pan for best results.
- Cool and Remove: Allow the banana bread to cool completely in the pan before removing it. This prevents the loaf from breaking and ensures it sets properly.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Add vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream and whisk until smooth. Add additional cream, up to 3 tablespoons total, to reach desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Loaf: Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled banana bread. Place the bread in the refrigerator to let the glaze set.
- Store Properly: Store the glazed banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze for up to 1 month.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Souring the milk with vinegar helps activate the baking soda for better rise.
- Do not substitute cooking spray for butter in pan preparation if you want the sugar crust.
- Baking times can vary; start checking at 45 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Using a metal loaf pan is recommended to achieve the ideal crust and baking quality.
- Chilling the bread after glazing helps the frosting to set and enhances flavor.
- This bread freezes well—slice before freezing for quick servings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: pumpkin spice banana bread, pumpkin banana bread, banana bread recipe, spiced banana bread, fall baking, pumpkin pie spice bread
