Introduction
There’s something truly magical about the combination of bananas and pumpkin, especially when transformed into a delicious quick bread. This Banana Pumpkin Streusel Quick Bread is a delightful treat for any time of year, but it truly shines during the cozy fall months. It’s a fantastic way to use up those ripe bananas and brings the warm, comforting flavor of pumpkin spice to your kitchen. With its rich, moist interior and a crunchy, sweet streusel topping, this bread is perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert. So, let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup oats
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent any sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is beautifully blended together.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, allowing those warm spices to combine thoroughly.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. If you love a bit of crunch, fold in the chopped nuts at this stage.
- In a separate bowl, prepare your streusel topping by mixing together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and oats. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture is crumbly and resembles small pebbles.
- Pour the creamy batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to ensure an even cook.
- Generously sprinkle the delicious streusel topping over the batter, giving it a warm, inviting appeal.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with a delightful warmth.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. The hardest part will be waiting to dig in!
Notes or Tips
- This quick bread is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
- For an extra touch of flavor, feel free to add in chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the sweetest flavor. Brown spots are a good sign!
Cooking Techniques
Don’t be afraid to adapt this recipe to your taste! You can easily swap out the nuts for seeds or omit them entirely. If you prefer a sweeter streusel topping, adding a touch more sugar will do the trick. Additionally, feel free to explore different spices—cloves or allspice can add an exciting twist!
FAQ
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
- How can I tell my bread is done baking? Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- What can I serve with this bread? Cream cheese or butter spread on a warm slice is wonderful, or enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee!
Conclusion
This Banana Pumpkin Streusel Quick Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate. With its moist texture and delightful flavors, it’s sure to become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire. Enjoy making it for friends, family, or just for yourself—and watch it disappear in no time. Happy baking!