Pumpkin Banana Bread

There’s something magical about fall. The leaves change color, the air turns crisp, and the smell of cozy baked goods fills the kitchen.

If you’re looking for the ultimate autumn-inspired treat, pumpkin banana bread with chocolate chips is about to become your new favorite recipe.

This bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the earthy richness of pumpkin puree, the warmth of fall spices, and the indulgence of melty chocolate chips. It’s moist, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweet—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered whether pumpkin and banana make a good pair, the answer is a resounding yes!

• Moist and flavorful with bananas and pumpkin puree

• Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves

• Packed with melty chocolate chips for indulgence

• Easy, no-mixer recipe that anyone can make

• Versatile treat for breakfast, snack, or dessert

Ingredients for Pumpkin Banana Bread

You’ll need simple pantry staples to make this recipe:

• 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2–3 bananas)

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup oil (vegetable oil, canola, or melted coconut oil)

• ¾ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)

How to Make Pumpkin Banana Bread (Step-by-Step)

Follow these easy steps for a loaf that turns out moist and delicious every time:

Step 1: Prep the oven and pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix wet ingredients

• In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.

• Stir in pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, brown sugar, and vanilla.

• Whisk until fully combined.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients

• In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.

Step 4: Mix it all together

• Add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients.

• Stir gently until just combined (don’t overmix).

Step 5: Add chocolate chips

• Fold in chocolate chips.

• Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

• Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top.

Step 6: Bake and cool

• Bake 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

• Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Expert Tips for the Best Pumpkin Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas – Black or spotty bananas add the most sweetness.

• Don’t overmix – Stir only until flour is incorporated for a tender crumb.

• Check early – Ovens vary, so start checking around the 50-minute mark.

• Customize add-ins – Try chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries.

• Room temperature eggs – They mix more smoothly into the batter.

Variations to Try

This recipe is flexible—try these variations:

• Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread – Use whole wheat flour and reduce sugar.

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Banana Bread – Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

• Vegan Pumpkin Banana Bread – Replace eggs with flax eggs.

• Nutty Pumpkin Banana Bread – Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.

• Pumpkin Banana Muffins – Divide batter into a muffin tin and bake 18–22 minutes.

Storage and Freezing

One of the best things about quick breads is how well they store.

• Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

• Freezer: Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.

Serving Ideas

Pumpkin banana bread is versatile—try serving it in different ways:

• Spread with peanut butter, almond butter, or cream cheese.

• Pair with coffee, tea, or a pumpkin spice latte.

• Enjoy as dessert with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

• Toast slices and drizzle with maple syrup or honey.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin Banana Bread

While it’s a sweet treat, this bread does have some wholesome ingredients:

• Pumpkin → rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.

• Bananas → packed with potassium and natural sweetness.

• Warm spices → cinnamon and nutmeg have anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Dark chocolate → provides antioxidants while satisfying your sweet tooth.

FAQ About Pumpkin Banana Bread

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes—just roast, puree, and strain fresh pumpkin before using.

Can I make it without chocolate chips?
Of course! Try nuts, raisins, or cranberries instead.

Why is my bread dense?
Likely from overmixing the batter or using under-ripe bananas.

How do I know it’s baked through?
Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out with just a few moist crumbs.

Why Pumpkin Banana Bread is the Best Fall Baking Recipe

Fall is the season for cozy, comforting bakes—and this bread delivers:

• Seasonal and festive with pumpkin and warm spices

• Easy to make ahead for gatherings or gifts

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

• Versatile for breakfast, snack, or dessert

This is the kind of loaf you’ll want to bake on repeat throughout the season.

Final Thoughts

This pumpkin banana bread with chocolate chips combines the best parts of banana bread and pumpkin bread into one irresistible loaf. It’s moist, spiced, chocolatey, and simple enough to whip up anytime you crave a cozy fall treat.

Whether you enjoy it warm with coffee, pack it in lunchboxes, or serve it for dessert, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your fall baking rotation.

So gather those ripe bananas, grab a can of pumpkin, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of autumn.

Happy baking!