If you can’t decide between pumpkin bread and banana bread, why not enjoy both in one delicious loaf? This Pumpkin Banana Bread is incredibly moist, naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey, and packed with warm pumpkin spice flavors. Made with wholesome ingredients like whole-wheat flour, pumpkin puree, and ripe bananas, it’s perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or even a healthier dessert.

Whether you’re baking during pumpkin season or simply looking for a nutritious quick bread recipe, this loaf is easy to make and comes together in just a few simple steps.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Banana Bread

• Naturally sweetened with maple syrup or honey
• Wonderfully moist and soft texture
• Made with wholesome ingredients
• Full of cozy homemade pumpkin spice flavor
• Easy one-bowl recipe
• Optional chocolate chips for extra indulgence
• Great for breakfast, snacks, or meal prep

Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe made with ripe bananas, pumpkin puree, whole-wheat flour, and maple syrup. Moist, easy, naturally sweetened, and delicious.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 ripe bananas (about 7 oz / 200 g)
• 1 cup (240 g) pure pumpkin puree
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup (80 g) maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅙ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups (175 g) whole-wheat flour (or your preferred flour)
• ½ cup (50 g) almond flour (or substitute with more whole-wheat flour)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ⅓ cup chocolate chips (optional)
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Method

 

1. Prepare for Baking

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

   Line a 9×5-inch (20×10 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil or butter.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

   Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth.

   Add:

   pumpkin puree

   egg

   maple syrup (or honey)

   vanilla extract

   homemade pumpkin spice mixsalt

   Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.

3. Add the Dry Ingredients

   Add the following directly into the wet mixture:

   whole-wheat flour

   almond flour

   baking powder

   Gently fold everything together just until no dry flour remains.

   If using chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter.

   Tip: Avoid overmixing the batter. Mixing too much develops the gluten, resulting in a denser, drier loaf. Stir only until the ingredients are fully combined.

4. Bake

   Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread the top evenly.

   Bake for 30–37 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

   If the center is still wet, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking every 2–3 minutes.

   Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Baking Tips

• Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the sweetest flavor.
• Make sure your pumpkin puree is plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup instead of scooping.
• Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to help it hold its shape.
• Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery-style finish.

Variations

Add Nuts

Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

Make it Dairy-Free

This recipe is naturally dairy-free when using dairy-free chocolate chips.

Add Seeds

Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds make a delicious crunchy topping.

Extra Spice

Increase the cinnamon for a bolder fall flavor.

Storage

Store the cooled loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Banana Bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich pumpkin puree and warm fall spices for a loaf that’s soft, moist, and full of comforting flavor. Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or freeze slices for later, it’s an easy homemade recipe you’ll want to bake again and again. Optional chocolate chips make it even more irresistible, while wholesome ingredients keep it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.