I make this pumpkin spice banana bread every fall because it's incredibly moist, packed with cozy pumpkin spice flavor, and the easiest way to use up ripe bananas while making the whole kitchen smell amazing.

Fall baking is my favorite excuse to slow down for a little bit. If I have overripe bananas on the counter, this recipe is almost always what I'm making. It's one of those cozy loaves that looks bakery-worthy with almost no extra effort.

You'll love this banana bread with pumpkin spice because it's beginner-friendly, comes together in one bowl for the wet ingredients, and bakes into a soft, fluffy loaf that's perfect for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or a cute fall brunch spread. It also freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead recipe for busy weeks.

Things to Know Before Making Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

• Use very ripe bananas: The darker the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your bread will be.
• Don't overmix: Fold the dry ingredients in gently until just combined to keep the loaf soft and moist.
• Use parchment paper: It makes removing the loaf from the pan incredibly easy and keeps cleanup simple.
• Make it extra cute: Sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or a light dusting of pumpkin pie spice over the top before baking for a bakery-style finish.

I love making this loaf on chilly weekends because it fills the house with the best fall smell and somehow tastes even better the next day.

If you're into easy, cozy recipes, you'll love these too: Easy Captain Crunch French Toast, S'more Brownie Bites, Pumpkin Overnight Oats, and No Bake Pumpkin Truffles.

Ingredients You'll Need

• All purpose flour: Gives the bread its soft structure.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Adds warm fall flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
• Baking soda: Helps the bread rise and creates a tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Gives the loaf additional lift.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the pumpkin spice flavor.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the banana bread extra moist for days.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf while helping create a light texture.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor.
• Large eggs: Hold everything together while adding richness.
• Ripe bananas: Bring natural sweetness, moisture, and classic banana bread flavor.
• Pumpkin puree: Makes the bread incredibly moist while adding beautiful fall flavor.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): Add a delicious crunch and nutty flavor.

You'll also need a 9x5-inch loaf pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, a whisk, a rubber spatula, and measuring cups.

Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick spray and line it with parchment paper. Mash the ripe bananas in a large bowl, then whisk in the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and pumpkin puree until smooth.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Fold half of the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, then gently fold in the remaining flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.

Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for several minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy slightly warm or at room temperature.

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of easy ways to customize this pumpkin spice banana bread while keeping it just as delicious.

• Skip the walnuts: Leave them out if you prefer a smooth, nut-free loaf.
• Add chocolate chips: Stir in ½ to 1 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for an extra sweet treat.
• Mix in pecans: Pecans are a great alternative if you don't have walnuts on hand.
• Top with pumpkin seeds: Sprinkle pepitas over the batter before baking for a crunchy, bakery-style finish.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread

This moist pumpkin banana bread is delicious on its own, but it's even better paired with a cozy fall drink. Try serving it with an Apple Cider Ginger Mocktail, a Guava Cream Sparkler, or your favorite pumpkin spice latte. For brunch, add fresh fruit and yogurt for an easy, aesthetic spread that's perfect for weekends or holiday mornings.

Storage and Freezing

Store leftover pumpkin spice banana bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

Yes. Just make sure your homemade pumpkin puree is well drained so it doesn't add too much moisture to the batter.

Why is my pumpkin banana bread dense?

Overmixing the batter is the most common reason. Fold the dry ingredients in gently until they're just combined.

Can I make pumpkin spice banana bread ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, the flavor becomes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead recipe for brunch or holiday gatherings.

Can I freeze pumpkin banana bread?

Yes. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or at room temperature before serving.

More Easy Fall Baking Recipes

• Red Velvet Truffles
• Easy Lemon Oreo Balls
• Strawberry Cake Balls with Cake Mix
• No Bake Oreo Cake Pops
• Easy Chocolate Pumpkin Patch Brownie Cake
• The 17 Most Delicious Pumpkin Desserts