Ultimate Pumpkin Spice Banana Muffins with Streusel Topping

Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this irresistible Pumpkin Spice Banana Muffin recipe! Even if you’re still clinging to the last days of summer, these muffins offer a delightful transition into pumpkin season. Imagine moist, flavorful banana bread muffins, enhanced with the comforting sweetness of pumpkin and a medley of warm fall spices, all crowned with an incredible, crunchy streusel topping. This recipe is more than just a treat; it’s an experience that fills your home with an aroma that signals pure comfort.

Do you ever find yourself staring at a bunch of overripe bananas on your kitchen counter, perhaps with good intentions that never quite materialized? Don’t let those perfectly sweet, spotted bananas go to waste! Instead, let’s transform them into something truly magnificent. This recipe is your perfect solution, combining the classic comfort of banana bread with the rich, autumnal notes of pumpkin spice. With just a can of pumpkin puree and a handful of common pantry staples, you’ll be on your way to baking one of the most delightful muffin recipes you’ll ever encounter.

You’ll not only adore the exquisite taste of these homemade pumpkin banana muffins, but you’ll also cherish the wonderful, inviting aroma that permeates your entire home as they bake. It’s a sensory experience that truly captures the essence of fall.

Indulge in the Perfect Blend: Pumpkin Banana Muffins with a Spiced Streusel Topping

Prepare to have your taste buds amazed! The harmonious combination of warm pumpkin spice and the inherent sweetness of banana bread muffins creates a flavor profile that is simply divine. It’s a pairing that works incredibly well, bringing together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the earthy, comforting notes of canned pumpkin puree to form these incredibly easy pumpkin banana muffins. But the magic doesn’t stop there. The addition of a crunchy, aromatic pumpkin spice streusel topping elevates the pumpkin flavor to an entirely new level, making these muffins utterly irresistible and a true standout amongst fall baking recipes. Each bite offers a perfect balance of soft interior and crunchy exterior, a texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

For an unparalleled depth of flavor, consider using homemade pumpkin pie spice. Crafting your own blend allows you to control the freshness and intensity of the spices, adding that elusive “je ne sais quoi” that distinguishes truly exceptional baked goods. The warm spices not only contribute to the delicious taste but also fill your kitchen with a cozy, inviting scent. You might even find yourself reaching for this versatile homemade pumpkin pie spice mix to enhance other fall-inspired recipes, from pies to lattes, making it a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Banana Pumpkin Muffin Recipe

These pumpkin banana muffins are a delightful treat that perfectly marries softness, crumbliness, and rich flavor. They offer an exceptional combination of two beloved comfort food classics: the comforting sweetness of banana bread and the earthy, spicy warmth of pumpkin. Here’s why these muffins will quickly become a household favorite:

Unforgettable Flavor Fusion: Experience the best of both worlds with ripe bananas and rich pumpkin puree, harmoniously blended with aromatic pumpkin pie spices.
Perfect Texture: Enjoy a wonderfully moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth, perfectly contrasted by a deliciously crisp streusel topping.
Aromatic Delight: The baking process alone is a treat, filling your home with the inviting scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, instantly creating a cozy atmosphere.
Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste, these muffins are surprisingly simple to whip up, using straightforward ingredients and techniques perfect for any home baker.
Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, a mid-morning snack, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a comforting dessert. They pair wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Uses Up Overripe Bananas: The perfect solution for those forgotten, browning bananas on your counter, turning them into a delicious masterpiece.
Freezer-Friendly: Bake a double batch and freeze some for later, ensuring you always have a comforting treat on hand for busy mornings or unexpected cravings.

The Humble Muffin: A Culinary Journey

The word “muffin” itself carries a fascinating history, believed to originate from the old German word “muffen,” the plural of “muffe,” which translates to “small cake.” Over centuries, muffins have evolved from simple yeast-leavened breads to the quick-bread varieties we cherish today. They are essentially small, portion-sized cakes, often baked in a muffin tin, and can be enjoyed in a myriad of flavors.

While often compared to cupcakes, muffins typically forgo the elaborate frosting and tend to come in a wider array of flavors, encompassing both sweet and savory options. Cupcakes, on the other hand, are almost exclusively sweet, serving as miniature cakes for celebrations. Although muffins are frequently perceived as a healthier alternative to cupcakes, this isn’t always the case, as many recipes can be just as rich in sugar and fat. However, this distinction doesn’t mean we should shy away from enjoying them! For many, it’s about finding that perfect balance – a delightful indulgence now and then, especially when made with wholesome ingredients like pumpkin and banana.

Essential Ingredients for Your Banana Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Creating these scrumptious muffins doesn’t require any exotic or hard-to-find items. You’ll find that most are likely already in your pantry! For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the detailed recipe card below. Here’s a comprehensive look at what you’ll need to gather:

Nothing complicated here! Just some foundational ingredients to get you started on your delicious baking journey:

For the Irresistible Streusel Topping:

All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient for our crumbly topping. Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly to create that classic texture.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: The star of the show for that quintessential fall flavor. We highly recommend using our homemade pumpkin pie spice blend for the freshest, most vibrant taste.
Ground Cloves: A deeply aromatic spice that adds a wonderful warmth and depth. You can use pre-ground cloves or, for maximum freshness, grind whole cloves yourself in a coffee grinder.
Brown Sugar: This provides a rich, caramel-like sweetness and contributes to the moistness of the streusel. Both dark and light brown sugar will work beautifully, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Cut into small pads or cubes, cold butter is crucial for creating a crumbly, distinct streusel texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your muffins.

For the Moist and Flavorful Muffin Batter:

Ripe Mashed Bananas: The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as they are sweeter and easier to mash. A great tip is to keep a stash of overripe bananas in your freezer for spontaneous baking.
100% Pure Canned Pumpkin Puree: Ensure you grab pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices. Pure pumpkin allows you to control the flavor profile precisely.
Vegetable Oil: Any mild-flavored cooking oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil, will work well, contributing to the muffins’ moistness.
Honey: Adds a lovely natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have honey, maple syrup makes an excellent alternative, offering a similar depth of flavor.
Granulated Sugar: White granulated sugar provides essential sweetness and structure to the muffins.
Large Eggs: Act as a binder and add richness. For best results, allow eggs to come to room temperature before mixing.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the muffins rise and become light and fluffy.
Baking Soda: Another leavening agent that reacts with the acidic components (like pumpkin and brown sugar) to create lift and tender texture.
Salt: A small amount of salt enhances all the other flavors, balancing the sweetness. Any common salt (table, sea, kosher) is fine.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: More of this wonderful blend is added directly to the muffin batter for an extra burst of fall flavor.
Ground Cinnamon: A classic spice that complements both banana and pumpkin beautifully, adding warmth and aroma.
Ground Cloves: A touch more cloves in the batter further intensifies that cozy spice blend.
All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component of the muffin batter, providing body and texture.

How To Bake Perfect Pumpkin Banana Muffins with Pumpkin Spice Streusel

Follow these simple steps to create a batch of incredibly delicious and aromatic pumpkin banana muffins that will impress everyone!

PREP Your Baking Station

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, prepare your muffin tin. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners, or if you prefer, lightly spray each well with a non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and making removal a breeze.

Craft the Flavorful Streusel Topping

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the topping: flour, pumpkin pie spice, ground cloves, and brown sugar. Whisk them together briefly to ensure they are well distributed. Then, add the cold butter, cut into small pieces. Using your fingertips or a pastry blender (or even two forks), work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This technique ensures the butter remains cold, which is key to achieving that desirable crumbly streusel texture. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the muffin batter.

Prepare the Moist Muffin Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the wet ingredients: mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, honey, and granulated sugar. Whisk these together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated. Ensure there are no large lumps of banana remaining.

In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients for the batter: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and the remaining ground cloves. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix slowly and gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; overmixing can lead to tough muffins. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and even desirable for a tender crumb.

FILL the Muffin Tins

Carefully spoon the prepared muffin batter into the lined or greased muffin cups, filling each approximately two-thirds full. This allows room for the muffins to rise without overflowing. Once filled, generously sprinkle a spoonful of your prepared streusel topping over the top of each muffin cup. Don’t be shy – the streusel is a key component of these delightful treats!

BAKE to Golden Perfection

Place the muffin tin into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 19 minutes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a muffin; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached (but no wet batter), your muffins are ready.

Once baked, remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are delicious when fully cooled, make sure to sneak one of these warm, fragrant muffins straight from the oven – you absolutely won’t regret that moment of pure bliss!

Adore These Muffins? Save the Recipe!

Don’t let this incredible recipe for banana pumpkin muffins disappear into the digital abyss! Be sure to Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can easily find it whenever a craving for warm, spiced muffins strikes. It’s the perfect way to keep deliciousness at your fingertips!

Expert Tips & Tricks for Muffin Perfection

Achieving bakery-quality muffins at home is easier than you think with these expert tips:

Cold Butter is Key for Streusel: Always use very cold butter for your streusel topping. This prevents it from melting too quickly in the oven, ensuring distinct, crumbly clumps that give that wonderful crunch.
Room Temperature Eggs: For the muffin batter, bring your eggs to room temperature before mixing. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with other ingredients, leading to a smoother batter and a more uniform, tender muffin texture.
Prepare Your Muffin Tin Properly: If you don’t have paper liners, you can easily grease your muffin tin. Dip a paper towel in a little vegetable oil and wipe each muffin well thoroughly, or use a good quality non-stick cooking spray. Ensuring proper greasing prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is arguably the most crucial muffin tip! Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until they are just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine and will result in a more tender, light muffin. Overmixing develops the gluten too much, leading to tough, chewy muffins.
Clean Up Spills Promptly: If any batter spills onto the muffin tray around the cups, wipe it up with a damp cloth before baking. Baked-on spills become much harder to clean later.
Don’t Peek Too Often: Resist the urge to open the oven door frequently while the muffins are baking. This can cause the oven temperature to drop and may lead to uneven baking or the muffins sinking.
Rotate Your Pan: For perfectly even baking, especially if your oven has hot spots, rotate the muffin pan halfway through the baking time.
Test for Doneness Accurately: While a toothpick test is good, also look for visual cues: golden-brown tops, slightly domed, and a springy texture when gently pressed.

Are Banana Pumpkin Muffins a Healthy Indulgence?

It’s a common misconception that all muffins are inherently unhealthy. While some can be calorie-dense, these banana pumpkin muffins are certainly not “unhealthy” in moderation. It truly is all about balance in your diet. I would never suggest completely abstaining from delicious treats like muffins, nor would I recommend eating one every single day. They are a wonderful indulgence to enjoy as part of a balanced lifestyle.

If you’re looking to modify this recipe to create even healthier pumpkin banana muffins without sacrificing flavor, here are a few simple yet effective adjustments you can make:

Skip the Streusel Topping: While delicious, omitting the streusel topping is an easy way to significantly reduce the overall calorie and sugar content of each muffin.
Incorporate Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half or even all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This modification substantially increases the fiber content, aiding digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Boost Protein with Seeds: For added protein, toast a handful of pumpkin seeds (pepitas), finely chop them, and either sprinkle them generously on top of the muffins before baking or fold them into the batter. Adding protein helps keep you satiated for longer.
Gluten-Free Alternatives: If you need to make these pumpkin banana muffins gluten-free, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Brands like Cup4Cup and Bob’s Red Mill are excellent choices that yield great results in baking. For the streusel topping, almond flour can often be used successfully as a gluten-free alternative, offering a lovely nutty flavor. However, I generally do not recommend substituting almond flour for the primary flour in the muffin batter itself, as its properties can drastically change the muffin’s texture.
Almond Flour Storage Tip: A quick note on almond flour: once opened, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain its freshness and prevent it from going rancid.
Reduce Sugar: While the recipe is balanced, you can often slightly reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar without compromising too much on taste, especially if your bananas are very ripe.

Frequently Asked Questions About Muffins

Here are answers to some common questions about baking and storing muffins, ensuring your baking experience is as smooth as your muffin batter!

Do muffins freeze well?

Yes, absolutely! Muffins are incredibly freezer-friendly, making them perfect for meal prepping or simply having a stash of homemade goodness on hand. I often bake a large batch and freeze half to enjoy later. This is an excellent strategy to ensure you always have a comforting muffin available, whether for a quick breakfast, an unexpected snack, or when the kids ask for a treat. To freeze, allow muffins to cool completely, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave or oven.

What is the best way to store muffins with a streusel topping?

Storing muffins with a streusel topping can be a bit of a challenge, as the moistness of the muffin can unfortunately cause the crunchy topping to become slightly wet and gooey when stored in an airtight container. While they will still taste wonderful, that satisfying crunch might disappear. To best preserve the streusel’s texture, I typically recommend storing these muffins on the counter, loosely covered with a clean tea towel. This allows some air circulation, helping to keep the streusel crispier for a few days. For longer storage without losing crunch, you might consider storing the streusel separately and adding it just before serving, or simply enjoying the muffins as soon as possible after baking!

Discover More Muffin Recipes to Love

Are you a fellow muffin enthusiast? We are too! If you enjoyed these pumpkin spice banana muffins, you’ll love exploring some of our other favorite muffin recipes:

Spiced Glazed Muffins (as pictured above, a true classic!)
Bright and Zesty Lemon Crumb Muffins
Delightful Very Berry Bisquick Muffins for a quick and easy breakfast.
Indulgent Double Chocolate Banana Muffins for the chocolate lovers.
Creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Muffins for a dessert-like treat.
Festive Cranberry Orange Muffins, perfect for the holidays.
Elegant Cherry Almond Muffins with a delicate flavor.
Classic Banana Blueberry Muffins for a fruity twist.
Explore ALL of our Bread, Muffins, Rolls, and Biscuit Recipes for endless baking inspiration!

There’s nothing quite like the anticipation of a fresh batch of these pumpkin banana muffins baking in the oven. The comforting aroma is just the beginning of the delightful experience. Let’s get baking and savor the warmth and flavor of these incredible fall treats!

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Close up of Pumpkin Spice Banana Muffins in a muffin tin

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Pumpkin Spice Banana Muffins

These Pumpkin Spice Banana Bread Muffins are so moist and perfectly fall-spiced from the bread to the crumb topping, they are a must-make for autumn!

Prep Time
10 mins

Cook Time
19 mins

Total Time
29 mins

Course: Rolls-Biscuits-Muffins

Cuisine: American

Keyword: banana bread, easy muffins, fall recipes, muffins, pumpkin, pumpkin pie spice, pumpkin spice, Pumpkin Spice Banana Muffins, streusel

Servings: 2 1/2 dozen

Calories: 193 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

Eoonfirst Standard Size Baking Cups Food-Grade Greaseproof Paper Cupcake Liners 200 Pcs (Natural)
Rubber Spatulas
Wilton Perfect Results Premium Non-Stick Bakeware Muffin Pan & Cupcake Pan, 12-Cup, Steel

Ingredients

For the Topping:
6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup brown sugar
3 Tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pads
For the Muffins Batter:
3 small ripe bananas, mashed
1 (15 oz) can 100% pure canned pumpkin puree
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup honey
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine all of the ingredients for the topping. Using your fingers or a couple of forks, incorporate the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, honey, and granulated sugar until smooth and well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and ground cloves until evenly distributed.
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Fill the prepared muffin cups about two-thirds full with batter. Top each muffin with a generous spoonful of the prepared streusel topping.
Bake for about 19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached.

Nutrition

This recipe was originally posted on September 15, 2014. It has been updated to improve user experience and reshared on August 5, 2022.