Freshly Milled Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

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Imagine taking the cozy goodness of banana bread and giving it a delightful autumn twist with pumpkin and chocolate chips. This recipe is the perfect way to introduce the fall season into your kitchen. It’s made with fresh milled flour that brings a warm, earthy flavor and a lovely texture you might not find in your usual bakery loaf. Plus, milling your own flour adds a rustic charm and a nutrient boost that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. If your baking adventures have ever left you wondering what to do with those overripe bananas, this recipe has your back with a cozy, sweet, and slightly nutty take that’s as inviting as a crisp fall afternoon. 

What Makes This Recipe Great

Perfect harmony of flavors.
The sweetness of ripe bananas pairs beautifully with the subtle pumpkin spice notes and the melty pockets of chocolate chips, creating a loaf that’s flavorful but never overwhelming. Each slice feels like a hug on a plate.

Fresh milled flour adds a unique touch.
Using freshly milled flour gives this bread a richer texture and nuttier flavor that you won’t get from store-bought flour. It also adds a little extra nutrition and a sense of craftsmanship that makes baking more rewarding.

Easy but impressive.
While it may sound fancy with fresh flour and pumpkin, this recipe remains approachable for any home baker, coming together in just 5-10 minutes. It’s simple to follow and forgiving enough for those days when your kitchen isn’t exactly Pinterest-perfect.

For more fresh milled pumpkin recipes, try our Cinnamon Sugar Pumpkin Cake Donuts or our Pumpkin Scones!

Overview of Ingredients

Bananas
Ripe bananas are the star here, providing natural sweetness and moisture. If you’re in a pinch, overripe banana puree works just as well and can even make the bread a bit denser and richer.
Pumpkin Puree
Canned pumpkin puree is perfect for this recipe, offering a smooth texture and subtle earthiness. If you want to make homemade pumpkin puree, just roast some fresh pumpkin and puree it, but keep it well-drained to avoid sogginess.
Chocolate Chips
Classic semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a nice contrast to the warm spices and sweetness. Feel free to swap in dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even chunks of your favorite chocolate bar.
Fresh Milled Flour
Freshly milled wheat flour brings a rustic, nutty flavor and excellent texture. If fresh milling isn’t an option, whole wheat flour or a mix of all-purpose flour with whole wheat can also work, though the flavor won’t be quite the same. Brown Sugar The molasses in the brown sugar helps to moisten the crumb, balance the spice, and deepen the flavor of this moist pumpkin banana bread. But, coconut sugar or pure maple syrup can also be used here.
Spices
Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves or allspice round out the warm pumpkin notes perfectly, creating a perfect blend of fall flavors. If you’re new to these spices, start small and adjust to your taste — the bread will still be tasty without them.

Tips for Making the Best Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

#1 Use very ripe bananas
The more brown spots, the better here—they mash easily and add that natural sweetness and moist texture that make the bread tender and flavorful. Plus, if you’re like me, it’s a great way to use bananas that have seen better days without feeling guilty.
#2 Don’t overmix your batter
When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until you can’t see any flour. Overmixing can create a tougher texture, and this bread shines best when it’s soft and tender.
#3 Prep your pan carefully
Grease your loaf pan well or line it with parchment paper so the bread comes out cleanly. Fresh milled flour can cause a slightly stronger grip to pans, so don’t skip this step.
#4 Add chocolate chips last
Fold in the chocolate chips gently at the very end to avoid breaking them up or mixing them too deeply into the batter—this keeps distinct pockets of melty chocolate throughout the bread.

Helpful Tools & Supplies

Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the world of fresh milled flour or you’re a seasoned home baker, I’ve taken the guesswork out of what you truly need. All of these tools and resources are available in my shop, designed to help your journey be smooth and nourishing:

Grain Mills

• NutriMill Classic Grain Mill – My go-to for fine, consistent milling; perfect for sandwich breads and everyday baking.
• NutriMill Harvest Grain Mill – Stone-ground elegance: this model delivers whole-grain flavor with a beautiful appearance.

Mixers

• Ankarsrum Mixer – A powerhouse kitchen companion with multiple speeds and attachments—ideal for kneading bread dough effortlessly.

Baking & Bread Tools

• Bread Bow Knife – Artisan-made with a high-carbon steel blade and cherry wood handle—this knife slices loaves with ease.
• Sourdough Essentials Kit With Starter – Complete starter kit that includes dehydrated sourdough starter, banneton baskets, a dough whisk, scoring lame, and more.

Cookbooks & eBook Bundles

• Everyday Whole Grains Vol. 1 & 2 (printed & digital) – Packed with 70+ recipes built around fresh milled flour, from breads to snacks and desserts.
• The Fresh Breads Bundle – A comprehensive set including eBooks like The Perfect Loaf, the Cookie Jar, bulk baking guides, and a sourdough mini‑course—all centered on fresh milled flour.
• Freshly Milled Made Simple Guide – A video-based guide that walks you through milling and baking basics, making the process feel easy and approachable.

Specialty Items

• Dehydrated Sourdough Starter – Just add water and flour to rehydrate this starter—perfect for bakers without an active sourdough culture.
• I Knead Fresh Flour Mug – A charming, handmade 12 oz ceramic mug—great for coffee breaks during dough rising!

Why These Are Worth It

Every tool in this collection has been personally vetted to support you in baking with fresh milled flour. From the grain mills that make your flour, to mixers that knead dough, to resources that teach you every step—it’s all here to make sure your homemade bread journey is joyful, nourishing, and successful.

➡️ Explore all of these items and more in the Generation Acres Farm Shop — your one-stop spot for fresh milled flour baking essentials.

Equipment:

9 x 5-inch loaf pan
Mixing Bowls
Fork or Potato Masher
Wooden Spoon or Spatula
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Cooling Rack

How to Make Freshly Milled Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups mashed banana, about 3 ripe bananas  (305 grams)
• ⅔ cup pumpkin puree (150 grams)
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup avocado oil or melted butter (73 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 ¾ cups freshly milled soft white wheat flour, finely milled (201 grams)
• ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar (40 grams)
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (150 grams)

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

• In a medium bowl, combine the bananas, pumpkin, egg, oil, and vanilla.

• Add the sugar and mix.

• Add the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt and mix until fully combined.

• Fold in the chocolate chips.

• Optional: top with ¼ cup additional chocolate chips.
• Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 45-55 minutes until golden brown, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Recipe Variations

Add Nuts:
Chopped walnuts or pecans add a fantastic crunch and a little extra warmth to each bite.
Swirl in Cream Cheese:
For a richer, creamier experience, add a swirl of sweetened cream cheese in the batter before baking.
Make it Vegan:
Swap the eggs for flax eggs or mashed applesauce and use plant-based chocolate chips to make this loaf vegan-friendly.
Spice it Up:
Try adding a little ginger or cardamom to the spice mix for an unexpected twist that sparks curiosity.
Gluten-Free Version:
Use a gluten-free blend to replace the fresh milled flour while keeping an eye on moisture and texture adjustments.

Flavor Boosters

Brown Butter
Using browned butter instead of regular melted butter gives the bread a deeper, caramelized flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Orange Zest
A bit of fresh orange zest brightens the warm spices and pumpkin notes, adding a subtle fruity lift.
Toasted Pumpkin Seeds
Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top before baking for a delightful crunch and seasonal flair.

What To Serve With Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

A Cup of Coffee or Chai
The warm, spiced flavors of this bread pair beautifully with a fragrant cup of coffee or chai tea.
Cream Cheese Spread
A smear of cream cheese or a cream cheese frosting adds a tangy creaminess that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Fresh Fruit
Serve alongside fresh apples, pears, or berries for a refreshing contrast.
Yogurt
A dollop of plain or vanilla yogurt offers a creamy, slightly tangy contrast that balances the sweetness and texture.
Nut Butter
Peanut or almond butter makes a delicious, protein-packed accompaniment for breakfast or a snack.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with this Recipe

Bread Is Too Dense
Make sure your bananas are very ripe and don’t overmix the batter. Lightly folding in ingredients helps keep the texture tender and airy.
Bread Doesn’t Rise Enough
Check your baking powder or soda—they might be past their prime. Also, avoid pressing the batter too firmly in the pan, which can slow rising.
Chocolate Chips Sink to the Bottom
Toss chocolate chips in a little flour before folding them into the batter to help them stay evenly distributed.
Bread Is Too Dry
Don’t overbake and ensure your bananas and pumpkin puree aren’t too dry. Adding an extra tablespoon of oil or a bit of Greek yogurt can add moisture.
Bread Sticks to the Pan
Grease your pan well or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing & Storing Leftovers

Freezing:
Allow the bread to cool completely, slice it, and wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let thaw at room temperature or toast slices directly from frozen.
Storing:
Keep leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For best texture, warm slightly before serving.

How To Reheat

Oven Method
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the bread loosely in foil and warm for about 10-15 minutes. This method brings back freshness without drying the loaf.
Microwave Method
Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 15-20 seconds. It’s quick but might soften the crust slightly.
Toaster Method
For a crispy edge and warm inside, pop a slice in the toaster for a couple of minutes. This works nicely with sliced banana bread.
Stovetop Skillet Method
Lightly butter a non-stick skillet and warm slices over medium-low heat for a few minutes on each side. This adds a toasty flavor and keeps the bread moist.

Ways to Use Leftovers

French Toast
Use slices to make a special autumn-inspired French toast with cinnamon syrup or maple butter.
Bread Pudding
Cube the bread and turn it into a cozy dessert by mixing with custard and baking until golden.
Dessert Parfait
Layer chunks of bread with yogurt, fruit, and a drizzle of honey for a quick, tasty parfait.
Ice Cream Sandwich
Slice the bread and use pieces to sandwich a scoop of vanilla or pumpkin ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Extra FAQs

Can I use unripe bananas?
Not recommended, as unripe bananas lack the natural sweetness and moisture that ripe ones provide, affecting both taste and texture.
Can I omit chocolate chips?
Absolutely, but consider adding extra spices or nuts to keep the bread interesting and flavorful.
Is pumpkin puree interchangeable with sweet potato puree?
Yes, sweet potato puree can be used as a substitute, offering a slightly different sweetness and texture.