When you put together banana and pumpkin it’s combining classic and autumn flavours all in one bread. This sugar-free moist bread is sweetened with bananas, and maple syrup, and the pumpkin puree and spices give it a autumn flair that makes this bread so delicious!
This pumpkin bread recipe is a keeper! It so delicious and what I love about it is, I don’t feel guilty eating a couple of slices. The ingredients are all healthy and it is naturally sweetened with maple syrup and bananas. The texture is soft and moist and the spices are a perfect blend with the added crunch of walnuts, makes this bread absolutely scrumptious!!
This pumpkin bread is a popular one especially once the pumpkin season begins. I like to make a few things to really embrace this delicious and healthy fruit and enjoy it!
BENEFITS OF PUMPKIN
Pumpkin is soooo healthy for us! Pumpkin is highly nutritious, it’s rich in Vitamin A which is needed to maintain healthy eyes, Vitamin B, C and E which supports our immune system, it helps to stabilize blood sugar levels and regulars blood pressure as well. Pumpkin will help to prevent chronic diseases such as cancer. It is also gut healthy therefore good for our and digestion system, not only for humans but our furry pets. So let’s enjoy and indulge in this delicious fruit when it’s in season!
INGREDIENTS AND TIPS
Flour: my go to flour is organic all-purpose flour, however you don’t need to use organic flour for this recipe.
Leavening agents: baking powder and baking soda are important in breads and other baked goods to help them rise.
Spices: I believe it’s personal preference to how much spice you want to add. I didn’t want the spices to be overpowering, yet flavourful enough to taste these wonderful fall spices.
Butter: I like to use unsalted butter for my baking to manage the amount of salt added to my recipes
Eggs: add structure, flavour, richness and a leavening agent as well
Bananas: add not only a wonderful flavour, but moisture and sweetness. Important to use ripe bananas for the sweetness and texture.
Maple syrup: was added to replace sugar, and every now and then I prefer either maple syrup or honey in my sweets for not only flavour but it is a healthier option
Pumpkin puree: important to add the puree, rather then the pumpkin pie filling. The filling has spices already added and it is pre-sweetened. By using the puree, you can control the amount of spices and sweetness.
Nuts: the nuts are healthy and they add texture and a crunch to this loaf; for this recipe I added walnuts and if you like pecans or hazelnuts would be excellent substitutions
HOW TO MAKE THIS DELICIOUS RECIPE
Mix the dry ingredients in a medium bowl, and set aside. Once the bananas are mashed, and all of the liquids combined, then add the dry and mix just enough to incorporate all of the ingredients. Avoid overmixing, the loaf will yield tough, and not moist and tender.
Using a wooden spoon, stir in the flour mixture until well incorporated. Do not over mix. The texture should be lumpy. Over mixing the batter will lead to a tough bread rather then soft and moist.
Evenly spread the batter into the prepared loaf pan and add the chopped walnuts. Bake for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the bread to cool, then carefully remove it from the pan. Once completely cooled, wrap it tightly and either leave at room temperature for 4 days or place in the refrigerator.
FAQ
Can I substitute the amount of spices? The measurements I included are a perfect balance of flavours, however, you can reduce which ever spices you want. Also, you can easily substitute for all-spice and add 1 1/2 teaspoons of all-spice with 1/2-1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
How much of sugar can I add to replace maple syrup? It will be the same amount, so simply add 1/2 cup of sugar.
Can I substitute maple syrup for honey? Yes absolutely and add the same amount, 1/2 cup.
Healthy Banana Pumpkin Bread
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Loaf pan
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cup organic all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (substitute 1 tsp all-spice)
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 3/4 cup bananas, mashed (2-3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 cup cup pumpkin puree
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup walnuts/pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease and dust with flour. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, using a wire whisk, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves (or all-spice). Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas and whisk in the melted butter, and eggs. Then stir in the maple syrup and pumpkin puree and vanilla.
- Using a wooden spoon, stir in the flour mixture until well incorporated. Do not over mix. The texture should be lumpy. Over mixing the batter will yield tough, rubbery bread.
- Scrape batter evenly into prepared pan. Bake until bread is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 55 to 60 minutes.
- Allow the bread to cool completely and then carefully remove it from the pan. Wrap it tightly and either leave at room temperature or place in the refrigerator. Serve with butter, and your favourite tea or coffee.
Notes
Nutrition
Banana bread is such a classic and by adding some pumpkin flavour, spices, and maple syrup it just speaks Autumn! Enjoy this lovely flavourful fall bread at breakfast with a cup of coffee or in the afternoon with a spiced autumn blend of tea.
Amazing flavour to enjoy with coffee..overstirred like you said not to…will be better next time👍🏻
Hi Julie,
I am so tickled you are making my recipes! 🙂 So happy you enjoyed it!! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment and rating! 🙂
Sincerely,
Rose