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. 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!
