Introduction
As the leaves start to turn and the air crisps up, there’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of homemade Banana Pumpkin Streusel Quick Bread wafting through your kitchen. This delightful blend of ripe bananas and rich pumpkin puree creates the perfect harmony of flavors, making it an ideal treat for chilly mornings or festive gatherings. The crunchy streusel topping adds a decadent finish, transforming this quick bread into a true indulgence. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Streusel topping:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk this mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. If you’re feeling nutty, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans for that extra crunch.
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, prepare the streusel topping by combining the flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and ground cinnamon. Add the cold butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the batter, creating a delightful crunch on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is beautifully golden brown.
- Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing into its warm, cozy goodness.
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor, choose ripe bananas with speckled skin—they’ll add natural sweetness and moisture to your bread. If you’d like, feel free to swap in other nuts or even chocolate chips for a sweet twist. This quick bread also freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy a slice even on busy mornings!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe is a wonderful introduction to quick bread baking. The key techniques here include properly mashing the bananas for a smooth mix, gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to avoid overmixing, and creating a crumbly streusel topping that brings texture to each slice. Baking it at the right temperature ensures that your bread rises beautifully while remaining moist inside.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to roast and puree the pumpkin until smooth for the best results.
How do I store leftover bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months.
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs or applesauce and use a plant-based oil.
Conclusion
And there you have it—your very own Banana Pumpkin Streusel Quick Bread! Each slice promises a soft, moist interior paired with a delightful crunch from the streusel topping. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a sweet treat with your favorite warm beverage, this bread is sure to bring comfort and joy this season. Happy baking!