Introduction
Fall is the perfect time to cozy up with a warm loaf of bread that captures the essence of the season. This Banana Pumpkin Streusel Quick Bread is a delightful blend of sweet bananas and rich pumpkin puree, beautifully spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Topped with a buttery streusel that adds a wonderful crunch, this quick bread is not just a treat for your taste buds, but a feast for your senses. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a comforting snack in the afternoon, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1 cup 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
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the streusel topping:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure your bread comes out easily.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well incorporated and you have a lovely, smooth mixture.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. The aroma will be mouthwatering!
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! If you’d like, fold in the chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- Pour the prepared batter into your greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- In a separate bowl, create the streusel topping by mixing the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon together. Then, cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the batter in the loaf pan. This topping will create a deliciously crunchy layer that contrasts beautifully with the soft bread.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with a wonderful aroma!
- Once done, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain its moist, fluffy texture.
Notes or Tips
For extra flavor, consider adding some chocolate chips or dried fruit to the batter. This bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days, or it can be frozen for up to three months. Just slice it before freezing for easy access to a delicious piece whenever the craving strikes!
Cooking Techniques
When making quick bread, it’s important to mix the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them. This helps to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a dense and tough loaf. The use of ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the bread rich and satisfying.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes! Just thaw them and mash them well before using.
- Can this recipe be made gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Banana Pumpkin Streusel Quick Bread is a warm embrace in the form of food, perfect for bringing loved ones together during the cooler months. Each bite offers a delightful mixture of flavors and textures that will make your heart sing. So preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy this comforting treat that’s sure to impress!