The aroma of warm Banana and Pumpkin Spice drifting from the oven is enough to make any fall day feel special. This twist on classic banana bread adds the comforting notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove from pumpkin pie spice, delivering a soft and tender loaf topped with a sweet spiced glaze.
It’s perfect for cozy mornings, holiday brunches, or as an afternoon treat with a steaming mug of coffee. Whether you serve it warm or chilled, every bite wraps you in the flavors of the season and makes for a beautiful, delicious centerpiece on any fall table.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
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2 overripe bananas
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup vegetable oil
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2 large eggs
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½ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
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7 tablespoons sour milk (or 1 tsp vinegar mixed with 7 tbsp milk)
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2 cups all-purpose flour
For the Glaze:
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1 ¾ cups powdered sugar
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¼ teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
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1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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2–3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5″ or 8×4″ loaf pan with butter and dust with sugar.
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Mash bananas in a large bowl. Add oil, sugar, and eggs; stir until smooth.
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Mix in vanilla, pumpkin spice, salt, and baking soda.
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Stir in flour and sour milk until just combined.
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Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool completely before frosting.
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For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, pumpkin spice, salt, and vanilla. Add cream 1 tbsp at a time until thick and spreadable.
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Spread glaze over cooled bread and allow to crust slightly before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 381 per slice | Servings: 10 slices
Cozy Fall Baking: The Irresistible Charm of Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread
There’s something undeniably magical about the fall baking season. The air cools, the leaves turn brilliant shades of amber and crimson, and kitchens across the world begin to hum with the comforting aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, and freshly baked treats. Among the seasonal favorites that grace our ovens, one recipe has earned a permanent place in the hearts (and mouths) of fall lovers: Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread.
This delightful twist on a traditional banana bread recipe infuses the warmth of autumn spices with the rich sweetness of ripe bananas. It’s a cozy, moist, and flavor-packed loaf that brings together the best of two seasonal classics banana bread and pumpkin spice into one irresistible treat.
Why Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is the Perfect Fall Treat
Pumpkin spice, synonymous with all things fall, isn’t just about the nostalgic flavor it’s a celebration of comfort. Made up of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and sometimes allspice, this spice blend evokes memories of family gatherings, cozy weekends, and pumpkin patches.
Combine that with banana bread an all-year-round favorite known for its sweet, moist crumb and homey vib and you’ve got a hybrid that’s hard to beat. Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread taps into a deep sense of comfort and seasonal joy, making it an ideal bake for everything from casual breakfasts to holiday brunch tables.
Whether you’re curled up with a blanket and a cup of tea or hosting a weekend get-together, this bread is a perfect companion.
A Recipe with Tradition and Creativity
What makes this recipe truly special is how it stays true to the traditional banana bread we all know and love, yet adds a unique autumnal flair. It still relies on the classic base of mashed ripe bananas, but the introduction of pumpkin pie spice elevates the flavor to something altogether more festive.
A pumpkin spice glaze on top adds another layer of decadence. Not only does it look beautiful as it gently cascades down the loaf’s rustic crackled top, but it also intensifies the warm spice notes with every bite. It’s a detail that sets this bread apart from your standard banana loaf.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread
While this recipe is easy enough for beginners, there are a few pro tips that can help ensure you get the best results every time:
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Use overripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or even fully brown.
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Sour milk or buttermilk is key: It helps tenderize the loaf and adds a subtle tang that balances the sweetness. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a mix of milk with vinegar or lemon juice works just as well.
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Don’t overmix: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, rubbery texture.
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Let it cool completely before glazing: This helps the glaze set up properly and avoids melting or soaking into the loaf.
Easy to Customize
One of the best things about Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is its versatility. Depending on your taste or dietary needs, there are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe:
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Make it dairy-free: Substitute the sour milk with a plant-based milk and vinegar combination.
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Add-ins galore: Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries make fantastic additions.
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Swap the glaze: Instead of a traditional glaze, try a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra fall flair.
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Go gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make it celiac-friendly.
Whether you want to keep it classic or give it your own twist, this loaf offers endless possibilities.
When to Serve Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread
Because it’s so easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, this bread is ideal for many occasions:
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Breakfast or brunch: Serve thick slices alongside eggs, fruit, or yogurt for a cozy start to the day.
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Afternoon snack: Perfect with tea or coffee for a mid-day pick-me-up.
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Holiday gatherings: Its festive flavor makes it a great addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas breakfast spreads.
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Gifting: Wrap a loaf in parchment paper and twine for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
It also freezes exceptionally well, meaning you can make a few loaves ahead of time and have them ready for whenever the mood strikes.
A Slice of Nostalgia and Comfort
This bread isn’t just a baked good it’s an experience. For many, banana bread already carries a nostalgic weight, tied to family recipes passed down through generations. Add pumpkin spice, and you’ve infused that nostalgia with the spirit of fall a season that celebrates gratitude, gathering, and warmth.
It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together. It invites conversation, stories, and the simple joy of sharing something homemade. Whether you’re baking it for your family or treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, this bread delivers not just flavor, but feeling.
Storing and Reheating
To keep your Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread fresh:
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days.
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Refrigerate: If frosted or glazed, refrigeration can extend its shelf life up to a week.
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Freeze: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven for a warm treat anytime.
Freezing in slices also makes it easy to enjoy a little at a time without having to thaw the whole loaf.
Conclusion:
Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is more than just a recipe it’s a love letter to fall. It combines the comfort of a familiar classic with the seasonal charm of warm spices and festive flair. Moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, it’s a treat that belongs in every home baker’s fall rotation.
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this bread offers a rewarding and delicious way to embrace the season. It’s the kind of bake that fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and joy, and your plate with something truly special.