Pumpkin Banana Bread With Cream Cheese Frosting
Introduction
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and yellow, autumn is the perfect season to indulge in warm and comforting baked goods. If you're looking for a recipe to satisfy your sweet tooth, try making pumpkin banana bread with cream cheese frosting. This delicious fall treat is not only easy to make but also a great way to use up those leftover bananas and canned pumpkin sitting on your pantry shelf.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, mashed bananas, eggs, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt. Mix until smooth.
Add the baking powder and baking soda to the bowl and stir until well combined. Slowly add the flour to the mixture, stirring until just combined.
If using, fold in the chopped walnuts into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes more.
Spread the cream cheese frosting on top of the cooled pumpkin banana bread. Slice and serve.
Tips and Variations
- For a healthier version of this recipe, use whole wheat flour or substitute half of the all-purpose flour with oat flour.
- If you don't have canned pumpkin, you can make your own by roasting a pumpkin in the oven and pureeing the flesh in a food processor or blender.
- If you're not a fan of walnuts, try adding other mix-ins like chocolate chips, raisins, or dried cranberries.
- If you want to make this recipe vegan, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) and use vegan cream cheese for the frosting.
Conclusion
Pumpkin banana bread with cream cheese frosting is a delicious and easy-to-make fall recipe that's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack. With its warm spices and creamy frosting, this bread is sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Try making this recipe today and enjoy the sweet and comforting flavors of fall!