I Make This Quick Bread Every Time I Have Ripe Bananas—and It's Ready in Just Four Steps

Overripe bananas have a knack for appearing in my kitchen when I least expect them. While they might not be an ideal texture for snacking, they’re the perfect ingredient to use in a comforting recipe I’ve come to rely on this fall—Pumpkin Banana Bread. This recipe combines two delicious quick breads into one, so it’s a win-win!

This easy bread is a great way to reduce my food waste in the kitchen. Rather than throwing out the very ripe bananas, I can transform them into a warm, comforting loaf. If I’m not ready to make the banana bread right away, I transfer the bananas to the freezer so they don’t rot on my counter. Then, when I’m ready to bake, I blend the bananas (with the peel on!) with the pumpkin puree before adding the remaining wet ingredients. Keeping the peel on adds an extra layer of sweetness. The sweetness of the banana pairs well with the orange juice in the recipe, creating a bright flavor that makes each bite feel like a crisp fall day.

Related: The One Surprising Ingredient You Should Be Adding to Your Banana Bread But Probably Aren't

Plus, this recipe offers a range of health benefits thanks to the combination of two nutritious ingredients, pumpkin and banana. Pumpkin contains carotenoids, natural pigments that can help reduce inflammation. Meanwhile, bananas are a good source of fiber and potassium, two essential nutrients that can help lower risk of heart disease, decrease high blood pressure and more. By pairing these two ingredients together, you’re not only getting a moist and flavorful bread, but also one that’s high in nutrients. 

While the taste is delicious and nutritious, it’s the scent that will really draw you in. This bread fills my apartment with the welcoming aroma of cinnamon and brown sugar for days. Baking a loaf of this bread is better than any candle I could buy from Target and light (which is great for cutting my Target bill in half!).  

I also love how versatile this recipe can be. You can easily add chocolate chips to this bread for an extra-cozy bite. Use bittersweet chocolate chips, which are less sweeter than semisweet chocolate chips and will balance well with the pumpkin and banana. This bread is also super simple to make. All you need is two bowls and a loaf pan and you’re well on your way to this tasty sweet treat that’s ready in four simple steps.

So, the next time you have ripe bananas on hand, reach for this trusty recipe. Each slice will bring a touch of warmth and nostalgia to your day, whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the morning or in the afternoon as a snack. And if you’re looking for more fall baking ideas, check out highly-rated seasonal recipes like our Apple Crumble with Oats and our Cinnamon-Sugar Dusted Apple Cider Donuts.