Description
A moist and flavorful Pumpkin Banana Pecan Bread made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin puree, ripe bananas, and chopped pecans. This light and delicious quick bread replaces some butter with applesauce and bananas, perfect for a wholesome snack or breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2-1/2 cups white whole wheat or all-purpose gluten-free flour
- 1-1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1-1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 4 tbsp butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (not packed)
- 4 large egg whites
- 1-1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1-1/4 cup (3 medium) ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 3 oz (3/4 cup) chopped pecans
- baking spray for greasing pans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8×5 inch loaf pans thoroughly with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter and light brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This step helps to incorporate air for a better crumb.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg whites, pumpkin puree, mashed bananas, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract on medium speed until the mixture is thick and well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture and chopped pecans to the wet ingredients. Blend at low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. Place on the center rack of the oven and bake for about 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pans for at least 20 minutes. Then remove and let it reach room temperature before slicing to serve.
Notes
- This bread is incredibly moist and flavorful, thanks to the combination of bananas, pumpkin, and applesauce which also help reduce the amount of butter needed.
- Using egg whites instead of whole eggs keeps the bread lighter.
- Make sure not to overmix once you add the flour to avoid a dense texture.
- The loaf freezes well; wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 146 kcal
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 116 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
