Introduction
As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp breeze fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen. This Banana Pumpkin Streusel Quick Bread perfectly combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin and warm spices. Topped with a delicious crumbly streusel, it’s the perfect treat for brunch, afternoon snacking, or even as a cozy dessert. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup streusel topping (see below for recipe)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15-80 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, ensuring it’s well coated for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Using a whisk or fork, mix until smooth and creamy.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser bread.
- If you’re opting for a little crunch, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- To prepare the streusel topping, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the batter in the loaf pan, allowing it to form a delicious crust as it bakes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be beautifully golden brown on top.
- Once done, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help it set perfectly!
Notes or Tips
- For a richer flavor, try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the streusel topping.
- This bread freezes wonderfully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container for up to three months.
- Don’t have pumpkin puree on hand? You can use applesauce as a substitute for a different flavor profile!
Cooking Techniques
Mixing ingredients gently is key to achieving a light texture in quick breads. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and can result in a tougher crumb. A spatula or wooden spoon works well for folding in the dry ingredients. Making streusel topping is simple: just ensure the butter is softened to achieve that perfect crumbly texture!
FAQ
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth.
- What can I use instead of eggs? Flaxseed meal or applesauce can be a good substitute for eggs in this recipe.
- How can I tell if my bread is done baking? A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, with no wet batter sticking to it.
Conclusion
This Banana Pumpkin Streusel Quick Bread is a delightful fall treat that’s sure to warm your heart and home! Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or sharing it with friends, each bite is a delicious reminder of cozy autumn days. Be prepared for compliments and requests for seconds!