Oh, fall! Is there anything better than the smell of pumpkin spice wafting through the house? I think not! And this healthy pumpkin banana bread? It’s like a warm hug in every slice. Seriously! I’ve always loved baking, but with a few dietary needs in my fam, I’ve had to get creative. That’s how this dairy-free version of pumpkin banana bread came about. It’s packed with all those comforting fall flavors, but good for you too! It’s the perfect way to use up those ripe bananas and that can of pumpkin puree sitting in your pantry. Trust me, you’ll want to make this healthy pumpkin banana bread again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread (Dairy-free)
Benefits of This Recipe
Okay, so why *this* healthy pumpkin banana bread? Well, let me tell you! It’s got everything going for it. We’re talkin’ super moist texture, it’s crazy easy to whip up, and it screams “FALL!” Plus, it’s totally dairy-free and uses healthier ingredients. What’s not to love?
Quick and Easy
Seriously, you don’t need to be a pro baker for this! It’s so simple; anyone can make it. No fancy techniques here!
Dairy-Free Delight
Got dairy issues? No problem! This bread is a safe and yummy treat for everyone avoiding dairy. Hooray for inclusive baking!
Moist and Flavorful
Dry bread? Nope, not here! This healthy pumpkin banana bread is perfectly moist and bursting with all those warm, comforting fall flavors. Yum!
Ingredients for Your Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread (Dairy-free)
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing healthy pumpkin banana bread. Make sure you have:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (that’s about 2-3 bananas – the spottier, the better!)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling!)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (the real stuff, if you can!)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but highly recommended!)
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Okay, a few notes! For the coconut oil, make sure it’s melted but not hot. Maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness, but you could also use honey or agave. Pumpkin puree should be 100% pumpkin, not the pie filling stuff – big difference! Wanna get crazy? Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free bread. Not a fan of walnuts? Pecans, almonds, even chocolate chips work great! And if you don’t have maple syrup, brown sugar will totally work too. Just use 3/4 cup packed.
How to Prepare This Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread (Dairy-free): Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get baking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect loaf of healthy pumpkin banana bread in no time. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!
Step 1: Getting Started
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This is super important, trust me! It keeps the bread from sticking and makes it easy to get out later. Nobody wants a broken bread!
Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Whisking is key here! It makes sure everything is evenly distributed, so you don’t get a bite of just baking soda. Yuck!
Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash those ripe bananas! Then, add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure those bananas are *really* ripe – they add so much sweetness and moisture!
Step 4: Bringing It All Together
Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Seriously, this is important. Overmixing makes the bread tough. Then, gently fold in those chopped walnuts or pecans, if you’re using them.
Step 5: Baking Your Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread (Dairy-free)
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a wooden skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! If not, bake for a few more minutes. Careful, it’s hot!
Tips for Success with Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread
Want to make sure your healthy pumpkin banana bread turns out perfect every time? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way. These tips will help you avoid some common baking oopsies!
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Seriously, I can’t stress this enough! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, and that’s a big no-no for tender bread. Tough bread is sad bread!
Check for Doneness
That skewer test is your best friend! Make sure it comes out *clean*. If it’s got wet batter on it, pop the bread back in the oven for a bit. You don’t want a gooey center!
Cooling is Key
Resist the urge to slice into that warm bread right away! Let it cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set and prevents it from crumbling. Patience, my friend!
Variations for Your Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread (Dairy-free)
Okay, so you’ve made the basic recipe and you’re obsessed (I knew you would be!). Now, let’s get a little crazy! This healthy pumpkin banana bread is like a blank canvas – so many ways to make it your own!
Spice It Up
Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the batter. Wowza! It’ll give it a whole new level of warmth and coziness. Mmm!
Add Chocolate
Chocolate chips? YES, PLEASE! Toss in some dark chocolate chips or even chunks for a decadent twist. My favorite part is the melty chocolate!
Nutty Goodness
Not a walnut fan? No prob! Try pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a different crunch. So good, you guys!
Serving Suggestions for Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread (Dairy-free)
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing healthy pumpkin banana bread…now what? Trust me, it’s delicious on its own, but why not take it to the next level? My go-to? A warm slice with a cup of coffee or tea. But it’s also amazing with a dollop of dairy-free yogurt and some fresh fruit. So good!
How to Store Your Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To keep your healthy pumpkin banana bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wanna make it last longer? Pop it in the fridge for up to a week. And if you’re thinking long-term, it freezes beautifully! Just wrap it tightly and thaw before enjoying. Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread (Dairy-free)
Got questions about this healthy pumpkin banana bread? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe. Let’s dive in!
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! If you’re gluten-free, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works great. Just make sure it’s a 1-to-1 replacement. You can also experiment with other flours, but the texture might change a bit. Just sayin’!
How do I prevent the bread from being dry?
Ah, the million-dollar question! The key is to measure your ingredients accurately. Also, don’t overbake it! That skewer test is your friend. And remember, ripe bananas = extra moisture!
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, you totally can! Let the bread cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, just leave it at room temperature for a few hours. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread
Just a heads-up: Nutritional information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the numbers listed aren’t an exact science! Just keepin’ it real!
Enjoy Your Delicious Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread
Okay, you made it! Now go bake this bread and tell me what you think! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, or share a pic on social media! I wanna see your creations!
Print
Devour 1 Amazing Healthy Pumpkin Banana Bread (Dairy-Free)
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Dairy-free
Description
Enjoy this healthy pumpkin banana bread, a dairy-free treat.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, combine mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans, if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Adjust spices to your preference.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg