Hey there, fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’re like me and love to whip up something scrumptious without the guilt, then you’re in for a treat with this healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread! Seriously, it’s a game-changer. I stumbled upon this recipe during a cozy fall afternoon when I had some overripe bananas and leftover pumpkin puree begging to be used. The best part? It’s naturally sweetened by the bananas and pumpkin, so you don’t have to worry about any added sugar. This bread is moist, flavorful, and bursting with warm spices—perfect for breakfast or a snack. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s all about good vibes and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients List
Before we get into the fun of baking, let’s gather our ingredients. You’ll want to make sure you have everything ready to go! Here’s what you’ll need to make that delicious healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
These ingredients come together to create a moist and flavorful loaf that’s packed with nutrients. Plus, there are no added sugars, just the natural sweetness of bananas and pumpkin. Let’s get to baking!
How to Prepare Healthy No Added Sugar Pumpkin Banana Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because it ensures your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, grab your mashed ripe bananas and pumpkin puree. Use a fork or a whisk to mix them together until they’re well combined. You want to see a lovely, smooth blend of the two. Now, it’s time to add in the unsweetened applesauce. Stir it in until everything is beautifully incorporated. This will help keep our bread moist and delicious!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, let’s tackle the dry ingredients. Combine the whole wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these separately is crucial because it ensures that the baking soda and powder are evenly distributed, leading to a perfect rise. Plus, the spices will be evenly spread throughout the bread!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, gently folding them in with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—just mix until everything is combined. A few lumps are totally okay! Overmixing can make your bread tough, and we want it to be tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Walnuts
If you’re feeling nutty (I know I am!), fold in the chopped walnuts gently at this stage. This adds a lovely crunch and flavor. Just make sure they’re evenly distributed without overmixing!
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Next, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. I usually grease mine with a little coconut oil or non-stick spray for easy removal later. To ensure an even pour, you can use a spatula to scrape every bit of that delicious batter into the pan. It’s all about getting the most out of your hard work!
Step 7: Bake
Now for the exciting part! Pop your loaf pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to come out!
Step 8: Cool Before Slicing
Once your pumpkin banana bread is out of the oven, resist the urge to slice into it right away! Let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time is crucial for the best texture, making sure it slices beautifully without crumbling. Patience pays off, my friend!
Tips for Success
To take your healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread to the next level, here are some of my favorite tips! First, use ripe bananas—those brown spots mean extra sweetness and flavor. If you can, let your pumpkin puree come to room temperature before mixing; it helps everything blend together smoothly. Also, consider adding a pinch of vanilla extract for a delightful aroma and depth of flavor. If you want to spice things up, try adding some chopped dark chocolate or dried cranberries for a little surprise in every bite. And remember, letting the bread cool completely before slicing is key to achieving those perfect, clean cuts. Trust me, these small tweaks can make a big difference in taste and texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious bread in the oven and your kitchen smelling amazing in no time!
- Nutrient-rich ingredients: Packed with wholesome bananas, pumpkin, and whole wheat flour, this bread is not just tasty but also a great source of nutrients.
- Perfect for breakfast or snacks: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or as a midday pick-me-up. It’s satisfying and keeps you full!
- Great for meal prep: Make a loaf ahead of time and have it ready for the week. It freezes beautifully, making it easy to grab a slice whenever you need a healthy treat.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve devoured a few slices of your healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread, you’ll want to store the leftovers properly to keep them fresh! Just place any remaining bread in an airtight container and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re not planning to finish it in that time, it’s perfect for freezing! Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge. If you like it warm, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, and you’ll have that cozy, just-baked goodness back!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just an estimate. For a typical serving size of 1 slice of this healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread, you can expect around 150 calories, with 5g of sugar and 3g of protein. Enjoy nourishing your body with every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I substitute the whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can use all-purpose flour or almond flour. Just keep in mind that using different flours may alter the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust the liquid ingredients a bit.
How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots. They’re sweeter and mash easily, which makes your healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread even more delicious.
Can I add other spices?
Sure thing! Feel free to experiment with spices like ginger or cloves for a more robust flavor. Just remember to start with a small amount and adjust to your taste!
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce on hand, you can swap it out with yogurt or even more pumpkin puree. Both options will keep your bread moist and flavorful!
How do I know when the bread is done?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread is ready to rock!
Healthy No Added Sugar Pumpkin Banana Bread Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 75 minutes
- Ustępować: 1 loaf 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Healthy no added sugar pumpkin banana bread.
Składniki
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas and pumpkin puree.
- Add applesauce and stir until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in walnuts if using.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Uwagi
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This bread freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Adjust spices to taste.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 60 minutes
- Kategoria: Baking
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 slice
- Kalorie: 150
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 120mg
- Kwasy: 4g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 0.5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 3.5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 28g
- Włókno: 3g
- Białko: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: healthy, no added sugar, pumpkin, banana, bread
