Looking for a moist, flavorful, and nutritious treat? This healthy banana pumpkin bread combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the warm spiced flavors of pumpkin and a hint of coconut for an irresistible loaf. It’s easy to make, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert, and is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Banana Bread Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: Naturally sweetened with bananas and a small amount of brown sugar, this loaf is both wholesome and satisfying.
- Moist & Flavorful: The pumpkin puree adds richness, while the shredded coconut provides a delightful texture.
- Versatile & Customizable: This recipe works with whole wheat flour, gluten-free alternatives, or even added chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Seasonal Comfort: With hints of pumpkin spice and warm cinnamon, this bread is the ultimate fall treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups): For a tender, moist texture. You can substitute with whole wheat or oat flour for added nutrition.
- Brown Sugar (½ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and pairs beautifully with the pumpkin and banana flavors.
- Baking Powder (1 tsp): Helps the bread rise perfectly.
- Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg (½ tsp each): Essential for that classic pumpkin spice flavor.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tbsp): Enhances the natural sweetness.
- Canola Oil (⅓ cup): Keeps the bread moist without making it heavy.
- Pumpkin Puree (1 cup): Use homemade pumpkin puree or canned, but make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Ripe Bananas (3): The riper, the better—they bring natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
- Shredded Coconut (½ cup): Adds texture and a fun tropical twist.
Additions, Variations, and Substitutions
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour.
- Boost Nutrition: Use whole wheat flour or add 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed or chia seeds.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of dark or white chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
- Nutty Twist: Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Spiced Up: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth.
How to Make Healthy Banana Pumpkin Bread
Step 1: Prep the Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. Stir in the pumpkin puree, canola oil, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Step 5: Fold in Coconut
Carefully fold in the shredded coconut, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the banana pumpkin bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Pumpkin Bread
Choose Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots work best for natural sweetness and moisture.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently to avoid a dense loaf.
Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the center is fully baked—moist crumbs are okay, but wet batter isn’t.
Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This healthy banana pumpkin bread combines the best of both worlds: the creamy sweetness of bananas and the seasonal richness of pumpkin. It’s a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a nourishing snack, or a comforting dessert, this recipe has you covered.
Recipe FAQ
Yes! Swap the canola oil with coconut oil and skip the shredded coconut if needed.
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Absolutely! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.
Other Cozy Bakes You’ll Love
- Easy Apple Cake Recipe
- Orange, Rosemary and Chocolate Bundt Cake
- Pear and White Chocolate Banana Bread
- Maple and Bourbon Pecan Pie
- Cinnamon and White Chocolate Blondies
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Healthy Pumpkin & Coconut Banana Bread
Yield: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Whip up this healthy banana pumpkin bread recipe! Made with ripe bananas, pumpkin puree, shredded coconut, and warm spices, it’s moist, flavorful, and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mash the bananas. Stir in the pumpkin puree, canola oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the shredded coconut.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the banana bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy as a breakfast treat, snack, or dessert!
Notes
This healthy banana pumpkin bread combines the best of both worlds: the creamy sweetness of bananas and the seasonal richness of pumpkin. It’s a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a nourishing snack, or a comforting dessert, this recipe has you covered.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 288Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 82mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 3gSugar: 20gProtein: 3g
Christopher
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.