The sweet, spicy aroma of pumpkin bread wafts through the air, wrapping you in a warm embrace reminiscent of autumn days. Imagine biting into a slice, the tender crumb melting in your mouth while hints of cinnamon and nutmeg dance delightfully on your palate. hearty meal suggestion.
This pumpkin bread recipe holds a special place in my heart, often served during cozy family gatherings or chilly Sunday mornings. It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating fall, hosting brunch, or just craving something comforting. Get ready to indulge in an extraordinary flavor experience! For more inspiration, check out this Easy Irish Soda Bread recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This pumpkin bread is incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers
- The rich flavors and inviting aroma create a delightful ambiance in your kitchen
- Its beautiful golden-brown crust and moist interior make it visually appealing on any table
- This recipe is versatile enough to enjoy any time of year, not just during pumpkin season!
I remember the first time I baked this pumpkin bread; my friends devoured it within minutes and begged for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious dessert pairing.
- Pumpkin Puree: Opt for canned pumpkin puree for convenience or roast fresh pumpkins for an earthy flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture; it creates a nice structure without being too dense.
- Baking Soda: This will help your bread rise beautifully. Ensure it’s fresh to achieve the best results.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice; feel free to add nutmeg for extra depth.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with pumpkin.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together while adding richness to the batter.
- Vegetable Oil: This keeps the bread moist; you can substitute with melted coconut oil if preferred.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch balances all the sweetness and enhances the flavors of other ingredients.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Kitchen: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with nonstick spray. This ensures easy release after baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg until well combined. spiced cookie option This step helps distribute ingredients evenly.
Create the Batter Base: In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Stir until smooth and creamy; this should smell divine!
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined—do not overmix! You want it fluffy yet cohesive. light and fluffy dessert. For more inspiration, check out this Coffee Cake Cookies recipe.
Pour into Pan and Bake!: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Enjoy!: Once baked, let your pumpkin bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice when cool enough to handle—then enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- Baking pumpkin bread is not just about flavor; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas
- The texture should be moist but not soggy, perfectly balanced between sweet and spicy
- Each loaf is a slice of autumn, ideal for sharing or savoring alone
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) while mixing the wet ingredients first. This allows the batter to blend smoothly before adding dry ingredients, ensuring even baking.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in applesauce for a healthier twist or add chocolate chips for an indulgent treat. Spices like nutmeg or ginger can enhance the classic pumpkin flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh pumpkin puree for better flavor; canned can’t compare!
- Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a fluffier texture
- Avoid over-mixing the batter to keep your bread light and airy
Baking this pumpkin bread always brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone would gather around with warm slices and laughter.
FAQ
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh pumpkin adds a richer flavor and moisture to your bread.
How do I know when my pumpkin bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
Can I make pumpkin muffins from this recipe?
Yes! Simply adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes for muffins.
Pumpkin Bread
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of homemade pumpkin bread that evoke the spirit of autumn. With a perfect balance of spices and moist texture, this easy-to-follow recipe is ideal for cozy gatherings or simple family breakfasts. Each slice features a delightful mix of sweet and spicy notes, making it a favorite for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or with your favorite spread, this pumpkin bread will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp cinnamon (or to taste)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix pumpkin puree, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg