The Perfect Autumn Dessert
As someone who grew up spending Sundays in the kitchen with my Italian grandmother, perfecting pasta sauce from dawn to dusk, I’ve definitely developed a knack for cooking and baking….
Photo by Taylor Brooke for BBGIAs someone who grew up spending Sundays in the kitchen with my Italian grandmother, perfecting pasta sauce from dawn to dusk, I’ve definitely developed a knack for cooking and baking. Recently, I've come across one of the best autumn desserts I've made in a long time! Let's bake some Pumpkin Banana Muffins! Feel free to follow along via video by clicking here!
The Perfect Autumn Dessert: Ingredients
First off, you're going to need some ingredients:
- 2 overripe bananas (the more spots the better!)
- 2 overripe bananas (peeled + mashed)
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp pumpkin spice blend
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
** Author's note: I rarely measure the ingredients exact, so feel free to modify the recipe to your specifications! **
The Perfect Autumn Dessert: Execution
- Preheat your oven to 375℉ and prepare a 12-cup muffin tin with paper or parchment liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana and pumpkin together with sugar, then beat with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Add in the melted butter, oil, eggs, and vanilla, and mix thoroughly until well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, pumpkin spice, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring with a fork just until everything is incorporated—be careful not to overmix!
- For extra fluffy muffins, let the batter rest covered with a dish towel for 10-15 minutes. Honestly, I skipped this step and the muffins still came out decadent!
- Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, evenly distribute the batter between the muffin cups. Aim to fill each cup about 3/4 full or slightly more.
- For a sweet muffin top, combine cinnamon and sugar, and sprinkle on top of the batter before baking to create a delicious caramelized crust.
- Place the muffins in the oven at 375℉ for 5 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350℉ without opening the door. Continue baking for another 17-18 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
The Perfect Autumn Dessert: Final Thoughts
And there you have it—warm, fluffy Pumpkin Banana Muffins that are perfect for cozy fall mornings or an afternoon treat! The blend of pumpkin spice and banana creates a deliciously moist and flavorful bite that’ll have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). Whether you’re sharing them with friends, family, or keeping a stash for yourself, these muffins are sure to become a seasonal favorite. Pro tip - freeze a few for a special treat down the line!
Happy baking, and enjoy every autumn-filled bite!
