Hidden Spice: The Pumpkin Bread That Whispers Fall Secrets

As autumn arrives, I find myself craving more than just the typical pumpkin pie. This pumpkin bread recipe is my secret weapon for cozy mornings that start with a warm slice and a swirl of homemade butter. It’s about capturing the essence of fall—spicy, sweet, and a little rustic.

What makes this loaf special isn’t just the pumpkin, but the unexpected hint of cardamom that transforms every bite into a little adventure. I love how the kitchen smells as it bakes—warm cinnamon mixed with a whisper of citrus zest. It’s a simple pleasure, the kind that makes you pause and smile.

Spiced Pumpkin Banana Bread

This pumpkin banana bread is a moist, rustic loaf that showcases the flavors of autumn with pumpkin puree, ripe bananas, warm spices, and a hint of citrus zest. The batter is mixed until just combined, then baked until golden with a slightly crackled top, revealing a tender and flavorful crumb inside.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1 cup ripe mashed bananas
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Loaf pan
• Cooling rack

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
3. Add the pumpkin puree, mashed bananas, and orange zest to the wet mixture, folding gently until combined and uniform in color.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; the batter will be slightly lumpy but should be homogeneous.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden and slightly cracked.
8. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for around 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Once cooled, slice the bread to reveal a moist, tender crumb with a speckled, spiced appearance.
10. Enjoy a slice on its own or with a swirl of homemade butter for a cozy autumn treat.

Every slice offers a balance of earthy pumpkin and spices, a comfort that feels just right amid the seasonal rush. It reminds me that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the ones that linger longest in memory and heart.