Pumpkin Banana Muffins Recipe with Cinnamon

Moist and tender pumpkin banana muffins are a close cousin to banana bread—only in a convenient, single-serve muffin form. The blend of sweet ripe banana and warm pumpkin spice yields a comforting muffin that works perfectly for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. For a little extra indulgence, sprinkle chocolate chips or chopped nuts on top before baking.

I made this recipe to use up an overripe banana and some leftover pumpkin puree, and it quickly became one of our go-to muffin recipes. The batch is intentionally small to avoid waste and to keep things manageable when you’re baking for one or two people. If you’d like more muffins, simply double the ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This is a small-batch recipe that yields 7 muffins—perfect for an empty nest or a small household. Double the recipe if you need more.
• The muffins stay wonderfully moist and tender and deliver the cozy flavor of pumpkin spice balanced with banana sweetness.
• They use simple pantry ingredients: pumpkin puree, banana, flour, a few leaveners and spices, and common baking staples.
• Serve them warm straight from the oven or enjoy them at room temperature—both are delicious.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Banana Muffins

(A printable version is often convenient—consider copying the ingredient list to your own recipe card.)

• 1 overripe banana (about 1/2 cup), mashed
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Optional toppings: chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other mix-ins

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pumpkin Banana Muffins

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Line a muffin tin with 7 paper liners, or lightly grease the wells. Leaving empty spaces between cups helps muffins bake evenly and develop rounded tops—leave every other space empty except one.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat together the mashed banana, pumpkin puree, and sugar until smooth.
4. Stir in the melted and cooled butter, the egg, and vanilla extract until incorporated.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently with a wooden spoon or large fork until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the muffins tender.
7. Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to fill each muffin cup about two-thirds full.
8. Top with chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired.
9. Bake 20–25 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the muffins cool in the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Tricks

• Spacing the muffins in the pan allows better air circulation and encourages taller, rounded tops.
• Use a ripe banana for the best natural sweetness and moisture. If your banana isn’t very ripe, let it sit on the counter until spotty and soft.
• Mix-ins: fold in a small handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for variety, and sprinkle additional pieces on top before baking.
• Don’t overmix. Stop stirring once the dry ingredients are incorporated—overworking the batter produces tougher muffins.

Equipment

Basic equipment for this recipe includes a muffin tin, paper liners or nonstick spray, measuring cups and spoons, a mixing bowl, and a spoon or ice cream scoop for portioning batter. A hand or stand mixer is optional; you can mix this batter by hand just as easily.

Storage

Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze muffins in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Other Favorite Pumpkin Recipes Using Pumpkin Puree

• Pumpkin Bread made with cake mix
• Pumpkin Roll Cake with cream cheese filling
• Turkey Pumpkin Chili

Other Banana Recipes

• Buttermilk Banana Bread with optional icing
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
• Classic Banana Cream Pie with cooked pudding
• Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies—banana bread in snack form

Recipe Summary