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Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe

I can’t get enough of these Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe — they’ve quickly become my go-to for cozy mornings and afternoon tea breaks. What makes them so special is that perfect blend of pumpkin and banana, which gives the muffins moistness and a subtle spice that’s just irresistible. They’re not too sweet but satisfy that comforting, spiced baked good craving in the best possible way.

This recipe works wonderfully when you need a quick, flavorful treat that feels homemade and warm. You’re going to love how easy it is to whip these up, and since they freeze beautifully, they’re perfect for breakfast prep or sharing with friends. Trust me, once you try this Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe, it’ll be your favorite fall bake (or any season, honestly!).

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Moist and Flavorful: The combination of ripe bananas and pumpkin keeps these muffins incredibly moist while layering in natural sweetness and spice.
  • Balanced Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves create just the right amount of warming flavor without overwhelming the banana and pumpkin.
  • Easy and Quick: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can have batter ready in about 10 minutes and muffins out of the oven in under 30.
  • Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert, these muffins satisfy any time of day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you peek at the ingredient list for this Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe, you’ll notice it’s all pantry staples that come together to create magic. Each ingredient plays a unique role in flavor, texture, and rise, so choosing quality items will make your muffins even better.

  • All-purpose flour: The base for structure – make sure it’s fresh for the best rise and texture.
  • Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves: Classic warming spices that complement both pumpkin and banana beautifully.
  • Baking soda & baking powder: Give your muffins the perfect lift and tenderness.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and spices, bringing all flavors together.
  • Ripe bananas: Use ones with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
  • Canned pumpkin: Adds moisture and that rich fall flavor – make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural flavors in the batter.
  • Butter, melted: Adds richness and helps keep muffins moist.
  • Raw sugar (for topping): Gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts the soft texture inside.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe my own by swapping or adding ingredients depending on what I have around. It’s such a forgiving batter, so don’t hesitate to tweak it based on your preferences or dietary needs.

  • Nutty Variation: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans adds a lovely crunch and pairs beautifully with the warm spices.
  • Chocolate-Chip Remix: My kids adore these with a handful of chocolate chips mixed in for extra fun and sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Version: I’ve successfully replaced all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend – just watch the baking time slightly, muffins may brown quicker.
  • Healthier Option: Swap some sugar with maple syrup or honey – it adds complexity and keeps the muffins moist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Muffin Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F — that high initial temperature helps the muffins get a nice rise right away. While the oven warms up, line your muffin tin with liners and spray lightly with cooking spray so your muffins will come out easily without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and cloves in a big bowl. Doing this first means your spices and leavening agents distribute evenly — no fun biting into a clump of baking soda or too much cinnamon!

Step 3: Combine Your Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mash those overripe bananas, then stir in the canned pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. This mix is the heart of your pumpkin banana flavor — don’t worry if the texture looks a bit loose; it should be.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Fold half of the dry ingredients into the wet batter using a whisk, stirring just until most of the flour disappears. Then pour in your melted butter and carefully fold it in with a spatula. Finally, incorporate the rest of the dry mix gently; overmixing can make muffins tough, so be careful here.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, fill each muffin liner evenly — this helps them cook uniformly. Sprinkle a little raw sugar on top for that irresistible sugary crunch. Pop your muffin pan in the oven, bake at 425°F for 5 minutes to boost the rise, then lower the heat to 350°F and bake for another 15–18 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

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Pro Tips for Making Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe

  • Perfectly Ripe Bananas: Don’t use underripe bananas; the mushier and browner, the sweeter and more flavorful your muffins.
  • Don’t Overmix: Fold the batter just enough to combine ingredients to keep your muffins tender and soft.
  • Initial High Heat: That blast of high oven temperature helps set the muffin shape and gives a slight crust on top.
  • Raw Sugar Topping: It’s a simple trick but adds a crunchy texture on top that contrasts wonderfully with the soft muffin inside.

How to Serve Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe

The image shows three muffins with a golden-brown color and a crumbly texture on top. They have a slightly darker base and are placed closely together on a round plate with an earthy design. In the background, there is a white muffin tray with empty slots on a white marbled surface. The muffins look soft inside with a crisp, crumb-topped shell that has small uneven pieces. The lighting highlights the warm tones of the muffins, with the focus mainly on the one in the front center. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve these Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe, I love a light spread of butter or a drizzle of honey to enhance their natural sweetness. Sometimes, a quick swipe of cream cheese makes for a creamy contrast that’s hard to resist, especially if you’re enjoying them as a breakfast treat.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or chai tea — the warm spices complement your favorite fall drink perfectly. I’ve also tried them alongside yogurt and fresh fruit for a wholesome brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings or special occasions, I like arranging these muffins on a wooden board with a bowl of pumpkin butter and cinnamon-spiced whipped cream. It instantly elevates the presentation and invites everyone to dig in with extra enthusiasm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days — they stay surprisingly moist and soft. If it’s warmer where you live, refrigerating can help, but bring them back to room temp before eating for best flavor.

Freezing

These muffins freeze wonderfully. I wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them all in a freezer-safe bag. When I want a quick snack later, I pop one out and let it thaw on the counter or reheat it straight from frozen (more on that next!).

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm a muffin in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or pop it in a toaster oven for a few minutes to refresh the top’s crunch. If reheated from frozen, I add a little extra time, and they come out tasting just like freshly baked.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin in this Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe?

    Yes, you can! Just roast and puree your fresh pumpkin first, making sure it’s cooked down until soft and the consistency matches that of canned pumpkin. Keep in mind fresh pumpkin can be a bit more watery, so you might want to drain excess moisture or reduce other liquids slightly.

  2. How ripe should my bananas be for this recipe?

    Very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots or even fully brown skins work best for this recipe. They’re sweeter and mash easily, adding natural sugar and moisture to your muffins.

  3. Can I make the Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe vegan?

    Absolutely! You can use flax or chia eggs as substitutes for the egg, and swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based spread. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

  4. What’s the best way to avoid overbaking these muffins?

    Keep a close eye towards the end of baking time and test with a toothpick to check doneness. Since oven temperatures vary, start testing around 15 minutes after lowering the heat. Pull them out as soon as the toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe is truly a cozy little treasure that has made its way into my regular rotation. Whenever I bake these, the warm, inviting aroma fills the kitchen and reminds me of crisp autumn mornings. I can’t recommend it enough — give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and enjoy those moments of simple, delicious comfort. You’ll thank me later when your house smells like pumpkin spice heaven!

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Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 29 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 muffins
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Pumpkin Banana Bread Muffins combine the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and pumpkin, creating a moist and flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or a snack.


Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 3/4 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 cup sugar

Topping

  • Raw sugar, for topping


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425° F and prepare a muffin pan with cooking spray and muffin liners to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, nutmeg, ground ginger, salt, and ground cloves. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas and then whisk in the canned pumpkin, egg, and vanilla extract until you have a smooth batter.
  4. Incorporate dry and wet mixtures: Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet batter and whisk until just combined and almost all flour is mixed in. Then pour the melted butter over the batter and gently fold it in using a spatula to maintain tenderness.
  5. Add remaining dry ingredients: Mix in the rest of the flour mixture gently until fully incorporated without overmixing to keep the muffins light.
  6. Scoop into muffin pan: Using an ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the batter into the prepared muffin pan compartments. Sprinkle some raw sugar on top of each muffin for a crunchy topping.
  7. Bake the muffins: Place the muffin pan in the oven and bake at 425° F for 5 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350° F and bake for an additional 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool and serve: Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Make sure the bananas are very ripe to enhance natural sweetness and moisture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to avoid dense muffins; fold gently after adding melted butter.
  • If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute melted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
  • You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
  • Store leftover muffins in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 muffin
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 210 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg

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