The wait is finally over – pumpkin spice season is here! You know what that means… it’s time to ditch the Starbucks line and get baking! I’m obsessed with their Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread, but let’s be real, who needs to break the bank when you can make an even better version at home? Today, I’m sharing my secret recipe for Copycat Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread with Candied Walnuts that will make your taste buds do the happy dance.
The Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Recipe
This recipe rocks because it’s ridiculously easy to make and packed with moisture-rich bananas, warm pumpkin spice, and crunchy candied walnuts. It’s the perfect treat to cozy up with on a chilly fall morning.
Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
5. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Why You’ll Love It:
This Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread is a total game-changer – it’s incredibly moist, flavorful, and filled with the perfect amount of pumpkin spice goodness. The candied walnuts add a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness. Trust me, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
A Delicious Variation: Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Muffins
Why settle for a single loaf when you can have a dozen adorable muffins? This recipe is perfect for meal prep or as a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
Ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- 1/2 tsp of salt
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp of pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine the mashed bananas, sugar, melted butter, eggs, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix!
5. Fold in the chopped walnuts.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Why You’ll Love It:
These Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Muffins are perfectly portioned and incredibly delicious. They’re ideal for a quick breakfast on-the-go or as a snack to satisfy your pumpkin spice cravings.
The Secret to Making Candied Walnuts
What’s a Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread without crunchy candied walnuts? This simple recipe will take your bread game to the next level.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp of water
- 1/4 tsp of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, water, and salt until dissolved.
3. Add the chopped walnuts to the bowl and stir until they’re evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
4. Spread the walnuts on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the walnuts are golden brown and crunchy.
Why You’ll Love It:
These candied walnuts are ridiculously easy to make and add a delicious crunch to your Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread. You can also use them as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream – the possibilities are endless!
In conclusion, these Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread recipes are a total game-changer – they’re easy to make, incredibly moist, and packed with pumpkin spice goodness. Whether you’re a fan of the classic loaf or the adorable muffins, you’ll love the combination of warm spices, moist bananas, and crunchy candied walnuts. So, go ahead and get baking – your taste buds will thank you!
