Home
Healthy Banana Bread with Pumpkin Puree

Nourishing Pumpkin-Banana Bread: A Wholesome Twist on a Classic

Last modified: Nov 29, 2024. Originally posted: Nov 24, 2023
Meal Types
Recipe Difficulty

This innovative take on traditional banana bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the earthy richness of pumpkin puree. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf that's not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Perfect for health-conscious bakers and comfort food lovers alike.

Authors
No items found.
Total Time
95 minutes
Recipe Yield
12
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
65 minutes
American Fusion
Sign Up for new Healthy Recipes
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Introduction

Banana bread has long been a beloved staple in home kitchens, but its origins can be traced back to the Great Depression when resourceful homemakers sought ways to use overripe bananas rather than waste them. Our pumpkin-infused version adds a modern, nutritious twist to this classic comfort food. The addition of pumpkin not only boosts the bread's nutritional profile but also contributes to its incredibly moist texture. This recipe is a perfect example of how traditional favorites can be adapted to suit contemporary dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor or nostalgia.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas (about 4-5 medium bananas)

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

• 1/4 cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for topping (optional)

Instructions on how to make Healthy Banana Bread with Pumpkin Puree

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4:

Beat in eggs one at a time, then add mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

Step 5:

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 6:

If using, fold in chopped nuts.

Step 7:

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan. If using, sprinkle pepitas on top.

Step 8:

Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, cover with aluminum foil.

Step 9:

Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn't already include it.

Q: How ripe should the bananas be?

A: The bananas should be very ripe with lots of brown spots on the skin. This ensures maximum sweetness and easy mashing.

Q: Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?

A: Absolutely! Use a muffin tin and reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Nutrition

Fat Content
10g
Saturated Fat Content
1g
Carbohydrate Content
45g
Fibre Content
3g
Sugar Content
22g
Protein Content
5g
Sodium Content
150mg
Calories
280

Notes

• For best results, use very ripe bananas with brown spots on the skin.

• Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling which contains added sugar and spices.

• You can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.

• For a dairy-free version, replace butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of regular milk.

• This recipe contains wheat, eggs, and dairy. It can be made nut-free by omitting the optional walnuts or pecans.

• To make it vegan, use flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 5 tablespoons water) instead of regular eggs, and follow the dairy-free substitutions.

Serving Instructions

Slice and serve at room temperature. Can be enjoyed plain or toasted with a spread of butter or cream cheese.

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Timing Tips

Prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately while the oven preheats to save time. The bread needs to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Chef's Tips

  • Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness
  • Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb
  • Test for doneness 5-10 minutes before the suggested baking time as oven temperatures may vary

Variations

For a spicier bread, increase the amount of cinnamon and add 1/4 teaspoon of ginger. For a sweeter version, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter.

Pairing Recommendation

Serve with a warm cup of chai tea or pumpkin spice latte. For a dessert option, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Seasonality

Fall and Winter, but can be enjoyed year-round

Allergen Information

Contains wheat, eggs, and dairy. Optional ingredients include tree nuts (walnuts or pecans). Can be made nut-free by omitting optional nuts.

Other Healthy Recipes

Take a Look at Our Other Healthy American Fusion Recipes

Explore our blog for nutrition tips and wellness advice

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Decadent, guilt-free Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie. Wholesome and energizing treat.
Healthy BBQ Chicken Pizza

Healthy BBQ Chicken Pizza

Grilled chicken, BBQ sauce, veggies on crispy crust - guilt-free, satisfying delight.
Healthy Banana Bread with Oats and Chia Seeds

Healthy Banana Bread with Oats and Chia Seeds

Healthy Banana Bread with Oats and Chia Seeds: Moist, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Other Healthy Recipes

Take a Look at Our Other Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Explore our blog for nutrition tips and wellness advice

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

Decadent, guilt-free Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie. Wholesome and energizing treat.
Healthy Vibrant Rainbow Veggie Smoothie

Healthy Vibrant Rainbow Veggie Smoothie

Vibrant Rainbow Veggie Smoothie: Refreshing burst of flavors, packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and fruits.
Healthy Mexican Breakfast Burrito

Healthy Mexican Breakfast Burrito

Protein-packed Mexican breakfast burrito with vibrant flavors, a heart-healthy start to your day.