Pumpkin Banana Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a delightfully cozy treat that combines the best of autumn flavors and that irresistible fruit sweetness, look no further than this Pumpkin Banana Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe. This recipe brings together rich pumpkin puree and overripe bananas in a tender, moist bread that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Topped with a luscious maple glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and shine, this bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Once you try this Pumpkin Banana Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of this Pumpkin Banana Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe. Each component plays a special role, from the warm spices that infuse autumn vibes to the creamy richness of the butter that ensures every slice is tender and perfectly textured.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides moisture and a rich base that keeps the bread tender.
• 1 cup dark brown sugar, packed: Adds deep caramel notes and sweetness with a slight molasses hint.
• 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together while contributing to the bread’s structure and richness.
• 1 cup 100% pumpkin puree: Brings earthiness and a beautiful orange hue along with moisture.
• 3 overripe bananas, ~1 cup mashed: Naturally sweet, packed with flavor, and ensures a moist crumb.
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
• 2 cups all purpose flour, spooned and leveled: The main structure for the bread.
• 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice: The signature blend that spices up the bread with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• 1 tsp. baking soda: Helps the bread rise beautifully.
• 1 tsp. salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• 1/4 tsp. cinnamon: Adds an extra layer of warmth and spice.
• For the maple glaze:
• 4 tbsp. salted butter: Creates a creamy base for the glaze.
• 1/3 cup pure maple syrup: Infuses the glaze with rich sweetness and natural maple flavor.
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted: Thickens the glaze and adds a smooth finish.
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract: Lifts the glaze with a delicate sweetness.
• Pinch of salt: Cuts through the sweetness, making the glaze perfectly balanced.

How to Make Pumpkin Banana Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a light-colored 9×5 inch baking pan with softened butter and sprinkle it lightly with flour, shaking out any excess. This step ensures your bread releases easily after baking. If you prefer, lining the pan with parchment paper works beautifully too, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and packed dark brown sugar until the mixture becomes perfectly creamy and fluffy. This creaming process builds the foundation for a tender and moist bread, and you’ll notice the sugar starts to dissolve into the butter, which creates a lovely texture.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs

Add the eggs to your butter and sugar mixture and beat until combined. The eggs bring everything together providing structure while keeping the bread rich. Make sure not to overbeat here—just combine until smooth and shiny.

Step 4: Add the Pumpkin, Bananas, and Vanilla

Next, whisk in your pumpkin puree, mashed overripe bananas, and vanilla extract. At this stage, the batter might look a bit lumpy or coagulated, but that’s entirely normal. These ingredients infuse your bread with moisture, natural sweetness, and that unmistakable fall flavor.

Step 5: Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. The batter will be thick, and it’s important not to overmix to keep your bread tender rather than dense.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before flipping it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Create the Maple Glaze

While the bread cools, melt butter and maple syrup together in the microwave in 30-second bursts until fully melted. Whisk in sifted powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the glaze becomes smooth and luscious. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add a bit more powdered sugar. Pour this glossy maple glaze generously over the cooled bread and let it set.

Step 8: Final Touches

For an extra-special finish, sprinkle a pinch of sugar mixed with pumpkin pie spice over the glaze. Slice into thick, hearty pieces and enjoy every bite of your homemade Pumpkin Banana Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe!

How to Serve Pumpkin Banana Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

To really elevate the presentation, try topping slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts. A light dusting of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top of the glaze adds a beautiful aroma and an inviting, festive look that catches the eye.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider. For a heartier snack, serve it with a small bowl of Greek yogurt drizzled with honey or alongside a creamy cheese spread like mascarpone or cream cheese for a perfect contrast of flavors and textures.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this at a brunch or gathering, consider slicing the bread into bite-sized squares and stacking them on a pretty platter with some fresh fruit like sliced apples or figs. You could even make mini sandwiches with cream cheese and a smear of maple glaze for an unexpected and delightful treat that guests will love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Pumpkin Banana Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe keeps very well at room temperature for 4 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. The glaze will soften slightly but still taste amazing as the flavors meld together.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this bread later, freeze it! First, cool the bread completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reapply the maple glaze fresh for that perfect finishing touch.

Reheating

To bring back the fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat slices in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10-12 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This will soften the bread and slightly warm the glaze, making every bite taste as delightful as the first time you made it.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this Pumpkin Banana Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! 100% pure canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe and provides consistent moisture and flavor. Just be sure it is pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar and spices.

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

No worries! You can easily substitute with a blend of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves or allspice. A teaspoon or two of cinnamon paired with smaller amounts of the others will give you a lovely homemade spice mix.

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute half the all purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber. Just keep in mind the texture might be a bit denser, but it will still be incredibly tasty.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Very ripe bananas with brown spots or skin are ideal since they are sweeter and mash more easily. They add natural sweetness and moisture, which improves the overall flavor and texture of the bread.

Can I make the maple glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the maple glaze can be made a day ahead. Store it covered in the refrigerator and gently warm it before drizzling over the bread. If it thickens too much after refrigeration, whisk in a tiny bit of warm water or maple syrup to loosen.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the comforting warmth and sweet-spiced goodness of this Pumpkin Banana Bread with Maple Glaze Recipe. It’s a fantastic way to bring autumn flavors into your home, share with loved ones, or even keep all to yourself because you simply can’t resist a second slice. I encourage you to whip up a loaf soon—there’s nothing quite like the aroma of pumpkin and bananas wafting through the kitchen, topped with that irresistible maple glaze.

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