Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Cozy and Comforting Treat

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups ripe bananas, mashed (about 3 medium bananas)
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 0.5 cup neutral oil (such as canola or grapeseed)
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 0.5 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until all ingredients are combined and smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and salt.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to over mix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
5. If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips to the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the banana bread to a wire rack to cool completely.