Banana Pumpkin Muffins

I am so, so incredibly excited to bring you these banana pumpkin muffins! I had this recipe tested and perfected last fall, and then ran out of time to post them before we had moved on from pumpkin season. Thankfully, they are here now and better than ever. Combining banana and pumpkin is such a dream for an extra moist and tender muffin with natural sweetness from the bananas. I wanted to keep these muffins mostly naturally-sweetened, which is why we are using coconut sugar. Brown sugar totally works as well and either sugar will give some warmth and depth that’s just perfect for fall. The pecan streusel topping does use brown sugar and while the topping is optional, I encourage you to use it because the muffins themselves aren’t overly sweet. Warm fall spices mixed into the batter make these such a good fall treat and the next recipe you’re going to want to add to your fall baking list. I don’t think there is anything better than a cozy fall recipe and the smell of something baking while it’s crisp outside!

Ingredients for Banana Pumpkin Muffins

• Quick cooking oats: I have made this recipe with both rolled oats and quick cooking oats and while both work, I do like the texture of the quick cooking oats better. I recommend using those unless you don’t have rolled oats, though a quick pulse in the food processor will give rolled oats the right texture as well.
• Flour: we are using all-purpose flour but for a denser muffin, whole wheat will also work.
• Sugar: we are using both coconut sugar and brown sugar in this muffin recipe. The coconut sugar is for the muffin batter and the brown sugar is for the pecan streusel.
• Baking powder and baking soda
• Salt
• Spices: ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice are all used in these muffins. These warm spices are absolute perfection. In a pinch, substitute all these spices for 2 1/2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice. We are also using cinnamon in the pecan streusel topping.
• Bananas: make sure they are very spotty! The more spots they have, the sweeter they are, and they are key to making sure these muffins are sweet and delicious.
• Pumpkin: I’ve seen some recipes that require the pumpkin to be blotted with paper towels. I don’t have time for that personally, so no need to do that here!
• Almond milk: I’m using almond milk here, but regular milk will also work.
• Extracts: vanilla and almond extracts are both used in this recipe. You don’t have to use the almond extract, but I really love the flavor it gives. If you’ve seen my other baking recipes, you know that they almost always use a little bit of almond extract.
• Eggs
• Melted coconut oil: You can also use olive oil.
• Melted butter: Butter is key for the perfect streusel topping!
• Pecans: I can’t think of a better topping for these pumpkin muffins than a cinnamon pecan streusel topping. It’s easy and a must for this recipe!
• As a final note, I am using tulip muffin liners for this recipe. To make twelve large muffins, you do need to have these liners. You can also make 15 smaller muffins using regular liners or simply spray the muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray.

How to Make Banana Pumpkin Muffins

• Mash the bananas in a large bowl. Then add in the pumpkin, eggs, oil, vanilla and almond extracts, almond milk, and coconut sugar and whisk until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, quick oats, salt, baking powder, and spices.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix to combine.
• Make the streusel topping. Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, flour, and chopped pecans. Add the melted butter and mix again to ensure everything is evenly combined.
• This recipe makes 12 large muffins or 15 smaller muffins. To make 12 large muffins, you will need to use tulip muffin liners. If you’re making 15 muffins, you can simply spray the muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or use standard muffin liners.
• Top the batter with the streusel topping and bake for about 22 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes and enjoy with a mug of coffee or tea!

These banana pumpkin muffins have become a favorite of mine to make, both for us to enjoy at home or to gift to friends and neighbors. If you’re looking for the perfect fall recipe to bake, this is the one for you! Enjoy with your favorite warm beverage, a book, and a cozy blanket for maximum enjoyment.