With at least 3 unique banana bread approaches on hotpinkapron.com, it should be no surprise that it’s considered a household staple. With brown bananas in hand, I stepped into the kitchen to whip up yet another loaf and a can of Pure Pumpkin Puree caught me eye. Hmmmm.. could I combine the soul-satisfying flavour of pumpkin pie with my favourite whole wheat banana bread recipe? After about 3 attempts, the answer is yes.
This bread is moist and dense, offering a subtle pumpkin undertone. Like that first bite of pumpkin pie after a Thanksgiving feast, it’s comforting and delicious; ideal for breakfast, snack or topped with a dollop of whipped cream for dessert.
Edie’s 4 year old friend came by earlier today and gave me an “Omi Gosh! This is SO good”. Those are the unsolicited pre-schooler reactions that make these experiments so worthwhile. 😉
Pumpkin Pie Banana Loaf
Makes: 1x 5″x9″ loaf
Prep time: about 10 minutes Cooking time: about 70 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinamon
- 2 tsp pie spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 ripe bananas (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 cup pure pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 large, farm-fresh eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 Tbsp sour milk (milk with a dash of vinegar)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Preheat oven to 350° f. Grease your loaf pan well using butter or a non-stick spray.
- In a large bowl, sift together all dry ingredients (flours, baking powder, baking soda, spices and salt). Use a whisk to fully blend together.
- In your stand mixer’s bowl (or another large bowl if using a hand mixer), mash bananas and blend in pumpkin puree. On low speed, add sugars, maple syrup, eggs (one at a time) and vanilla; mix well.
- Continuing on a low speed, add dry ingredients and sour milk, blend until just incorporated. It’s important not to over mix to ensure a lighter loaf. Fold in walnuts if using.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan and place in the center of your preheated oven. Bake for 70 minutes or until your cake tester comes out clean.
- Let your loaf cool to room temperature before cutting into. For the ultimate fall experience serve with homemade Apple Butter. Mmmmmm.. Enjoy! xo


We already have pumpkin puree mixed with the spices and the condensed?/evaporated? (whichever is the norm) milk. (Patti mixed it) Can we somehow use it to make a banana bread?
I say, “go for it.” Exclude the pumpkin puree, spices and sour milk in the recipe and I’m sure it will turn out rich and delicious. Keep me posted! x