Ultimate Moist Pumpkin Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl: Your New Favorite Fall Treat
As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked goods filling your home. This warm slice of Pumpkin Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl captures all the quintessential fall feelings in a single, irresistible loaf. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an experience – a moist, perfectly spiced creation with an enchanting Nutella ribbon weaving throughout. Get ready to discover your new favorite quick bread for the pumpkin spice season!
Can you feel the magic of fall just around the corner? The transition from scorching summer days to the gentle embrace of cooler weather is a welcome change for many. As much as I cherish summer’s long days, I often find myself eagerly anticipating the arrival of autumn. There’s a certain undeniable allure to sweater weather, pumpkin spice everything, and the simple joy of cozying up under a pile of blankets with a warm beverage in hand.
When it comes to fall, one ingredient reigns supreme in the kitchen: pumpkin. From the classic pumpkin spice latte to roasted pumpkin puree and an endless array of pumpkin-infused dishes, it truly is “pumpkin ALL THE THINGS.” However, while I adore the comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, I’m not one for the traditional coffee shop pumpkin spice craze. My preferred way to get that autumn fix? By staying in and baking a delightful treat like this homemade Pumpkin Banana Bread with Nutella Swirl.
This bread is a celebration of fall flavors, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the earthy notes of pumpkin puree and a generous blend of warming pumpkin pie spices. What truly elevates this quick bread, though, is the bonus of a beautiful and decadent Nutella swirl. Each slice reveals an inviting ribbon of chocolate and hazelnut, perfectly complementing the pumpkin and banana. This harmonious blend of flavors makes it the one and only bread I crave throughout the entire season. And the best part? It all comes together effortlessly in a single bowl, making cleanup a breeze!
Imagine a chilly autumn morning, a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea, and a thick slice of this wonderfully moist bread. The combination of sweet banana, aromatic pumpkin spice, and creamy Nutella creates a truly luxurious experience. It’s an ideal breakfast treat, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert to share with loved ones. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary fall delight, proving that some of the best culinary magic happens right in your own kitchen.
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This Recipe’s Must-Haves
One of the many reasons to love this pumpkin banana bread recipe is its delightful simplicity when it comes to equipment. Forget about pulling out your stand mixer, electric whisk, or any other complex gadgets. All you truly need to bring this delicious batter together is one of your favorite mixing bowls and a sturdy wooden spoon. This quick bread is designed for minimal fuss, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike.
Once your rich, aromatic batter is ready, you’ll simply pour it into a standard loaf pan. The final, magical step is using a simple table knife to create that signature Nutella swirl that makes this bread so visually appealing and incredibly flavorful. It’s a testament to how uncomplicated baking can be when you have a truly great recipe!
How To Make
Pumpkin Banana Bread
Make Batter
As highlighted, the beauty of this pumpkin banana bread lies in its straightforward preparation. The batter comes together incredibly easily, requiring just one bowl and a spoon. You’ll start by combining the wet ingredients, including the mashed ripe bananas and pumpkin puree, which contribute to the bread’s incredible moisture. Then, the dry ingredients are gently folded in, ensuring you don’t overmix – a common pitfall that can lead to tough bread. The goal is to mix until just combined, resulting in a tender, fluffy texture. This simple process allows the natural flavors of pumpkin and banana to shine, creating a perfectly balanced base for the decadent Nutella swirl.
Layer With Nutella
Here’s where the magic truly unfolds! Once your delightful batter is prepared, you’ll begin the strategic layering of batter and luscious Nutella within your loaf pan. The goal isn’t just a swirl on top, but a beautiful, thick ribbon of chocolate-hazelnut goodness that permeates every slice of bread. The recipe guides you through precisely how to layer the batter and Nutella in stages, ensuring that with each bite, you get that irresistible combination of moist pumpkin banana bread and rich, creamy Nutella. This thoughtful layering is what makes this quick bread so incredibly special and utterly addictive.
Bake
Once layered, your pumpkin banana bread goes into the oven, and then comes the most delightful part: sitting back and letting the intoxicating scent of pumpkin spice, sweet banana, and rich chocolate fill your entire home. It’s an experience far better than any pumpkin spice candle could offer, signaling that a warm, comforting treat is on its way. As the bread bakes to a beautiful golden-brown, the anticipation builds, culminating in a moist, perfectly baked loaf that’s ready to be devoured.
How to
freeze pumpkin banana bread
Preparing a batch of this delicious pumpkin banana bread means you can enjoy it for longer, or have a ready-made treat for unexpected guests. Freezing quick breads is a fantastic way to extend their shelf life and preserve their freshness. However, a crucial step to remember is to let the entire loaf cool completely before attempting to freeze it. If you wrap a warm loaf, the trapped condensation will create moisture, leading to a soggy texture that can compromise its quality and deliciousness.
Once fully cooled, wrap the entire loaf tightly in several layers of plastic wrap. This snug embrace helps to maintain its shape and, more importantly, locks in all those wonderful flavors and moisture. After the plastic wrap, place the wrapped loaf into a large, heavy-duty freezer storage bag. This double layer of protection is key to preventing freezer burn and shielding your bread from any moisture or odors within the freezer environment. Stored this way, your pumpkin banana bread can remain perfectly fresh for up to 3 to 4 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply remove the frozen loaf from the freezer and let it thaw on your kitchen counter, still in its original packaging. This gradual thawing ensures the bread reabsorbs its moisture evenly. Once it reaches room temperature, unwrap it, slice, and serve! You can even gently warm individual slices in a microwave or toaster oven for that “freshly baked” feel.
For ultimate convenience, you can also freeze the bread in individual slices. After the loaf has cooled completely, slice it into your desired portions. Then, wrap each individual slice tightly with multiple layers of plastic wrap. Just like with the whole loaf, transfer these wrapped slices into a large freezer storage bag. This method is incredibly handy, as it allows you to pull out just a single slice whenever a craving strikes, without having to thaw the entire loaf. Again, thaw individual slices at room temperature while still wrapped, then unwrap and savor every moist, spiced, Nutella-swirled bite!
Does
banana bread have to be refrigerated?
Proper storage is essential to keep your pumpkin banana bread fresh and delicious. To prevent your loaf from drying out and to maintain its delightful moisture, it should always be stored in an airtight environment. This means wrapping it snugly in plastic wrap, aluminum foil, or placing it inside a dedicated airtight container. A crucial tip for any baked good, especially quick breads, is to ensure the bread has cooled completely to room temperature before you wrap it up. Wrapping warm bread will trap steam, leading to a soggy texture and creating an environment where mold can form much more quickly.
At room temperature, a properly wrapped pumpkin banana bread will typically stay fresh and flavorful for about 2-3 days. However, if you wish to extend its life even further, refrigeration is a great option. By transferring your tightly wrapped loaf (or individual slices) to the refrigerator, you can keep it fresh for up to a full week. Just remember to allow it to come to room temperature before serving, or gently warm it, to fully appreciate its tender crumb and rich flavors. Whether enjoyed fresh or after a stint in the fridge, this Nutella-swirled delight is sure to be a fall favorite.
More
bread recipes: Double Chocolate
Avocado Banana Bread / Banana Bread
with Maple Bourbon Glaze / Gingerbread Challah
Bread
Pumpkin Banana Bread With Nutella Swirl
bread is made even better with pumpkin, warming spices, and a swirl of Nutella! It tastes like a
warm slice of fall.
Time: 10 minutes
Time: 1 hour
25 minutes
Time: 1 hour
35 minutes
1 loaf
dark
equipment
-
Wooden
Spoon & Scraper -
Stainless
Steel Mixing Bowls -
Loaf
Pan
ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup canned pure pumpkin
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup Nutella
instructions
-
Preheat oven to
300˚F. Lightly spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom of the
pan with parchment paper so the ends hang over the pan edges. Spray again with a
light coat of nonstick spray. Set aside. -
Add sugar and oil
to a large bowl. Stir to combine. Add eggs and vanilla, stirring until smooth. -
Add banana,
pumpkin puree, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until combined. Fold
in flour, stirring until just combined. -
Add 1/4 of the
batter to the bottom of the prepared pan. Dollop 1/3 cup of Nutella over the batter
and use a table knife to swirl the Nutella throughout the batter. -
Top with 1/3 of
the remaining batter in an even layer, then swirl with another 1/3 cup of the
remaining Nutella. -
Add the remaining
batter on top in an even layer. Finish with the remaining Nutella dolloped on top,
and give it a final swirl as well. -
Bake for 65 to 85
minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the bread comes out clean. -
Cool for 20
minutes in the pan before removing the bread, using the parchment paper as a sling.
Place on wire rack to cool completely. -
Slice and serve.
nutrition
427kcal
Fall
Bread