If you have ever longed for that perfect cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite, this Pumpkin Bread Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a moist, warmly spiced loaf bursting with tender crumbs and that unmistakable rich pumpkin flavor, bringing comfort and joy to your kitchen with every slice. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just want a simple yet delicious homemade snack, this recipe balances ease and delightful results perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking this wonderful pumpkin bread. Each item plays a crucial role, from the fluffy structure provided by the flour to the warm spices that create that classic autumn aroma and taste. Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible loaf come to life:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the bread giving it structure and a soft crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: The leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice notes that are essential in pumpkin bread.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty and aromatic touch.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Provides depth and a hint of boldness to the spice mix.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle zing that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just enough without overpowering the pumpkin’s natural flavor.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to a rich texture.
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree: The star ingredient that gives this bread its iconic flavor and moistness.
- 1/3 cup water: Helps combine the ingredients and ensures a smooth batter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature while you prepare the batter. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and help your bread come out effortlessly once it’s baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and the blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This step is important because evenly mixing the spices with the flour ensures that every bite delivers a balanced, cozy flavor.
Step 3: Combine Sugar, Oil, and Eggs
In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil together until well integrated, forming a smooth base. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This process helps create a light, airy texture in the bread.
Step 4: Add Pumpkin and Liquids
Stir in the pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract into the wet ingredients. The pumpkin adds moisture and that signature autumn taste, while the water and vanilla enhance smoothness and flavor depth.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually fold the flour mixture into the pumpkin mixture. Stir just until all the dry ingredients are moistened — avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and prevent it from becoming dense.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 60 to 65 minutes; the bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling it’s baked through but still moist and soft.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing easier without crumbling.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pumpkin bread by adding a simple garnish like a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dribble of warm honey, or a spread of cinnamon butter. These touches bring sweetness and extra flavor, making each bite feel special.
Side Dishes
This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for a cozy treat. You can also serve it alongside creamy yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Slice the pumpkin bread thickly and toast it lightly, then top with cream cheese and a sprinkle of chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and color. You can even cut it into cubes and skewer with fresh fruit for fun autumn-inspired appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it sealed ensures it stays moist and flavorful, perfect for enjoying over the next few days.
Freezing
Pumpkin bread freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat slices of pumpkin bread in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or toast them lightly. This quick step revives the bread’s softness and enhances its comforting aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh pumpkin for canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, roast and puree it until smooth, then measure out one cup for this recipe. Keep in mind that fresh pumpkin might have a slightly different moisture content, so your bread’s texture could vary a bit.
Is it possible to make this pumpkin bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that’s designed for one-to-one flour replacement. Be sure to choose one that contains xanthan gum for best texture results.
What can I add to pumpkin bread for extra flavor or texture?
Adding mix-ins like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), raisins, or chocolate chips can give your pumpkin bread exciting bursts of flavor and delightful texture contrasts.
How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?
The best test is to insert a toothpick or a skewer into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your pumpkin bread is perfectly baked and ready to enjoy.
Can I make mini pumpkin bread loaves instead of one big loaf?
Definitely! Just divide the batter into greased mini loaf pans and reduce the baking time to around 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on them and test with a toothpick for doneness as the smaller size means quicker baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably heartwarming about baking pumpkin bread, and this Pumpkin Bread Recipe brings all those cozy feelings right to your kitchen table. With its simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and incredible flavor, I encourage you to give it a try and share the joy with your loved ones. Whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire.
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Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Pumpkin Bread recipe is a moist and flavorful treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a spiced sweet bread. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger gives it a comforting aroma and taste, while pumpkin puree adds moisture and natural sweetness. Baked to golden perfection in a loaf pan, this bread is easy to make and wonderful for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until evenly combined.
- Combine Sugar and Oil: In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil until well combined and smooth. This helps to create a homogeneous base.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar and oil mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure thorough incorporation.
- Add Pumpkin Mixture: Stir in the pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract into the wet mixture until evenly mixed.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the bread.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the completed batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked.
- Cool Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes after baking. Then, remove from the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to retain moisture and texture.
Notes
- Use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to achieve the right consistency and flavor.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture if desired.
- Store the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- This bread freezes well; slice before freezing and thaw as needed.
