Pumpkin 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.
- Author: Natalie
- 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
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
- 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