Pumpkin Bread recipe
Warm, spiced, and irresistibly moist, this pumpkin bread brings the best of autumn flavors to your table. With hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s the perfect treat for cool mornings or cozy afternoons.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or served as an after-dinner indulgence, this easy-to-make recipe suits any occasion. Add chopped walnuts for an extra crunch, or keep it simple with pure pumpkin goodness.
The blend of rich, seasonal spices and creamy pumpkin puree creates a bread that’s both comforting and festive. It’s an essential recipe for your fall baking repertoire, ready to impress family and friends alike.
Delicious Pumpkin Bread Recipe: Ingredients Section
- Pumpkin Puree: The heart of this bread, bringing rich, earthy sweetness and a moist texture, perfect for a taste of fall in every bite.
- Warm Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves): These aromatic spices infuse the bread with comforting warmth, turning each slice into a cozy, autumn delight.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of caramel-like depth, balancing the spice and sweetness with a rich, molasses touch.
- Vegetable Oil: Ensures a tender, moist crumb, keeping the bread soft and indulgent.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, creating a light yet satisfying texture.
Delicious Pumpkin Bread Recipe : Tips, Serving Suggestions, and FAQs
Recipe Tips:
- Avoid Overmixing for a Tender Crumb: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to overdevelop, resulting in a dense and tough loaf. Mix just until the flour is incorporated, and no large streaks remain. This will help keep your pumpkin bread soft and tender, allowing the warm spices and pumpkin flavor to shine through.
- Ensure Even Baking with a Light-Colored Loaf Pan: Using a light-colored loaf pan can help prevent over-browning of the crust while ensuring that the center bakes evenly. Darker pans can absorb more heat, potentially leading to a burnt crust before the inside is fully baked. If using a darker pan, consider reducing the oven temperature by 5-10 degrees Fahrenheit and checking the bread a few minutes earlier to avoid overbaking.
- Enhance Flavor with a Spice Blend Twist: While the classic mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a cozy, autumnal flavor, consider adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth. This subtle addition can elevate the flavor profile, offering a slightly spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the pumpkin. Adjust the spices according to your taste to make the recipe uniquely yours.
What to Serve with Delicious Pumpkin Bread:
- Cream Cheese Spread: Pair a slice of pumpkin bread with a generous smear of cream cheese or a whipped honey butter. The rich, tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness of the bread, while honey butter adds a touch of natural sweetness that complements the warm spices perfectly. It’s an ideal breakfast or afternoon snack pairing.
- Hot Beverages: A warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or spiced cider beautifully complements the flavors of the pumpkin bread. The aromatic notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in the bread are enhanced by these cozy beverages, creating a perfect fall treat. Whether you enjoy it as part of your morning routine or during a relaxed evening, it’s a delightful combination.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, serve a slice of this pumpkin bread slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy, cold texture of the ice cream contrasts with the warm, spiced flavors of the bread, creating a decadent and satisfying treat. It’s a simple way to turn your pumpkin bread into a delightful after-dinner indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but it’s important to ensure that the puree has a similar consistency to canned pumpkin. Simply roast or steam your pumpkin, then puree and strain out any excess liquid to avoid a watery batter. - How do I know when my pumpkin bread is fully baked?
The best way to check for doneness is by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. Avoid cutting into the bread before it cools, as this can cause it to crumble. - Can I freeze pumpkin bread?
Yes, pumpkin bread freezes very well. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving. - What can I substitute for vegetable oil in this recipe?
If you prefer, you can substitute melted butter or coconut oil for vegetable oil. Keep in mind that butter will add a richer flavor, while coconut oil may impart a subtle coconut taste. Both will still yield a moist and delicious loaf.
Delicious Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup chopped walnuts optional
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bread.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Once combined, set this mixture aside.
- Blend Sugars and Oil:
- In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs and Pumpkin:
- Add the eggs, one at a time, into the sugar-oil mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in the pumpkin puree until the batter is smooth and uniformly blended.
- Integrate Dry Ingredients and Water:
- Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the water. Begin and end with the dry mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Be cautious not to overmix. Gently fold in the walnuts, if you choose to include them.
- Bake the Bread:
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface evenly. Place it in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
- Cool the Bread:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes. Then, carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.