Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin bread is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Its moist texture and rich flavor make it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Plus, this recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this pumpkin bread is a wonderful choice.
How to Make Simple Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup flavorless oil
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×5-inch bread loaf pan with cooking spray. Make sure the oven rack is in the center position.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Create a hole in the center of the dry mixture and add all the remaining ingredients: pumpkin puree, beaten eggs, oil, water, and vanilla extract.
- Stir everything together well, but be careful not to over-mix the batter.
- Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and place it in the oven.
- Bake for 60 minutes. After this time, test the center of the bread for wetness using a long toothpick.
- If the toothpick comes out clean, the bread is done. If it comes out wet, bake for an additional 5 minutes and test again. Make sure the bread is fully baked before removing it from the oven, or it might sink as it cools.
How to Serve Simple Pumpkin Bread
You can serve pumpkin bread warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own or you can slather it with butter for extra flavor. It also pairs nicely with a cup of coffee or tea!
How to Store Simple Pumpkin Bread
To store your pumpkin bread, let it cool completely. Then wrap it in plastic wrap or foil and keep it in an airtight container. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for about a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Just remember to slice it before freezing for easy serving later!
Tips to Make Simple Pumpkin Bread
- Don’t skip testing the bread with a toothpick. This ensures your bread is perfectly baked.
- If you like nuts or chocolate chips, feel free to fold some into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Make sure your ingredients, especially the eggs, are at room temperature for the best results.
Variation
You can try using different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg instead of pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist. Additionally, adding a topping of streusel or glazed sugar can elevate the flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth.
2. What can I do if my bread sinks in the middle?
This usually happens if the bread is underbaked. Ensure you bake it long enough and test with a toothpick before removing it from the oven.
3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may change slightly, making it denser. You might want to use a mix of both flours for best results.