As the crisp fall air sets in, there’s no better way to savor the cozy, comforting essence of pumpkin than by baking homemade pumpkin bread. It’s the perfect treat to embrace the season! This moist, flavorful bread is easy to make, versatile, and delicious. Whether you’re savoring a slice with your morning coffee or offering it as a delightful dessert at your next gathering, this pumpkin bread is guaranteed to impress.
In this post, we’ll guide you through an easy-to-follow pumpkin bread recipe that’s packed with the warm, cozy flavors of the season. We’ll also cover some tips, FAQs, and variations to make sure you can enjoy this recipe exactly how you like it. So, let’s get started!
What is Pumpkin Bread?
Pumpkin bread is a sweet, spiced loaf made with pureed pumpkin. Often enhanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it has the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. This type of bread is similar to banana bread in texture and moistness but with a delicious pumpkin twist. Whether you’re making it for a fall dessert, a holiday gathering, or just because it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Table of Contents
Pumpkin Bread Recipe Card
Recipe Name: Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Description: A soft, moist, and flavorful loaf of pumpkin bread with a rich spice blend that’s perfect for fall.
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 1 hour |
| Total Time | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Servings | 10 slices |
| Yield | 1 loaf |
| Calories | Approx. 220 per slice |
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree
- ¾ cup of sugar
- ½ cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with oil or non-stick spray.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just blended. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in gently at this point.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to rest in the pan for about 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely. Slice and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 slice (1/10 of loaf) |
| Calories | 220 |
| Sugar | 17g |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 10g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread Recipe
This pumpkin bread recipe is perfect for so many reasons:
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious loaf ready in no time.
- Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the pumpkin puree, this bread has a rich, moist texture that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for Fall: With its warm spices and pumpkin flavor, this bread is the ultimate fall treat.
- Versatile: You can easily add in your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips for an extra twist.
- Great for Gifting: This pumpkin bread also makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Pumpkin Puree: The key to a rich, moist pumpkin bread. Use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, or make your own by roasting and blending fresh pumpkin at home. Be sure to skip pumpkin pie filling, as it has extra sugars and spices that can alter the flavor of your bread.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is the most common choice, but you can substitute whole wheat flour for a slightly denser, heartier bread.
- Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor, but you can skip them if you prefer a nut-free version.
- Oil: Vegetable oil keeps the bread moist, but you can substitute with melted butter or coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
- Sugar: The recipe calls for regular white sugar, but brown sugar will also work well for a slightly richer taste.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a detailed guide to making this mouthwatering pumpkin bread recipe:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. This ensures your bread doesn’t stick to the pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all of your dry ingredients. This includes flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. The spices give the bread quintessential pumpkin bread flavor, while the leavening agents help it rise.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, beat the eggs, pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract together. You’ll want the mixture to be smooth and well-blended. The oil moistens the bread, and the pumpkin adds flavor and texture.
- Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry and wet ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Don’t overmix, as this can result in dense bread.
- Add Optional Add-ins: If you’re adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this point. They add texture and an extra flavor dimension to the bread.
- Bake the Bread: Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread rest in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients gently, just until they come together. Overmixing can make your bread tough.
- Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your bread around the 55-minute mark. Check by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
- Let It Cool: Allow your pumpkin bread to cool down fully before cutting into it. This helps the flavors set and ensures that the bread slices perfectly.
- Store Properly: Pumpkin bread stays fresh for about 3 days at room temperature in an airtight container or up to a week in the fridge.
Variations and Customizations
- Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread: You can easily make this pumpkin bread recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking powder and soda are gluten-free as well.
- Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water per egg), and use plant-based oil instead of butter.
- Add-ins: Get creative with your pumpkin bread by adding dried cranberries, chocolate chips, or a swirl of cream cheese filling for an indulgent touch.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Room Temperature: Keep your leftover pumpkin bread fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to three days.
- Freezing: To freeze, securely wrap the loaf in plastic wrap, then cover it with a layer of aluminum foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm pumpkin bread, simply microwave a slice for 20-30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This pumpkin bread recipe is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- Serve with cream cheese or butter for a richer, more indulgent treat.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate fall snack.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make pumpkin bread with fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Roast the pumpkin and blend it into a puree, ensuring to remove any excess moisture to avoid the bread becoming too damp.
**Q: Can I use whole wheat flour.?
A: Absolutely, whole wheat flour can be used as a replacement for all-purpose flour. However, be aware that it will result in a slightly denser texture for the bread.
Q: How can I make my pumpkin bread more flavorful?
A: You can experiment by adding extra spices like ginger or allspice. You can enhance the flavor by stirring in a tablespoon of molasses, which will add a rich, deeper taste to your pumpkin bread.
Conclusion
This pumpkin bread recipe is the perfect way to embrace the flavors of fall. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or as a gift, it’s sure to delight everyone who tries it. Enjoy every slice of this moist, spiced, and flavorful loaf, and don’t forget to share your creation with us on Instagram using #BeesRecipes.
Give it a try, and experience the sweet, comforting taste of homemade pumpkin bread. Perfect for any occasion, and always a crowd favorite.