Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Pumpkin Bread Recipe: A Delicious Fall Favorite

Pumpkin bread is a beloved fall treat that combines the rich, earthy flavors of pumpkin with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s moist, flavorful, and perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering, giving it as a homemade gift, or simply treating yourself, this pumpkin bread recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into how to make it!

Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients you’ll need for a classic pumpkin bread:

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for extra warmth)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (for added richness)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Mix-ins:

• ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
• ½ cup chocolate chips
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries (for a fruity twist)

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so that the spices don’t clump together.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Stir in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, then add the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense. The batter will be thick but should be smooth.

5. Add Mix-ins (Optional)

If you’re using nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, fold them into the batter. This adds texture and additional flavor to the pumpkin bread.

6. Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

7. Cool and Serve

Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense, tough bread. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Pumpkin puree vs. pumpkin pie filling: Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which is pre-sweetened and spiced.
• Add a streusel topping: For an extra special touch, you can add a streusel topping made from butter, flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon before baking.
• Storage: Pumpkin bread stays moist and delicious for days. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Customization Ideas

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Healthier Option: Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and replace half of the sugar with maple syrup or honey.
• Vegan Pumpkin Bread: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.

Serving Suggestions

Pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a few delightful additions:

• Warm butter or cream cheese spread: The richness of the butter or cream cheese pairs beautifully with the spices.
• Drizzle of maple syrup: For a sweeter, more indulgent treat.
• Whipped cream: For an extra luxurious dessert option.

Conclusion

Pumpkin bread is a versatile and comforting recipe that’s perfect for fall, but delicious enough to enjoy year-round. Whether you prefer it plain or packed with mix-ins, this easy recipe will fill your home with the cozy aroma of pumpkin and spices. Plus, it’s simple to customize for different tastes or dietary needs.

Happy baking!