Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin bread is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of fall. It is moist, flavorful, and has a warm, comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes. This recipe is simple to follow and uses ingredients that are usually on hand, making it a great choice for any home baker. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or as dessert, this pumpkin bread is sure to please everyone!
How to Make Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 1/4 cup butter (softened)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 2 eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or pumpkin spice)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a light-colored loaf pan (8 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 2 3/4” high) with parchment paper, then grease it with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the canola oil, softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Stir in the eggs, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth.
- Gently stir in the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until you have a uniform batter. Scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure no lumps remain.
- Pour the prepared batter into the loaf pan. Spread it evenly across the top and sprinkle with pepitas if desired.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool for 10 minutes before loosening the edges and removing the loaf from the pan. Slice into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it even more. Try spreading a bit of butter or cream cheese on a slice for added creaminess. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a warm mug of cider, making it perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy mornings at home.
How to Store Pumpkin Bread
To keep your pumpkin bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the oven.
Tips to Make Pumpkin Bread
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to control the sweetness.
- For added flavor, you can mix in nuts or chocolate chips.
- Don’t overmix the batter; this keeps the bread light and fluffy.
Variation
For a fun twist, try adding a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. You can also replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier bread.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, canned pumpkin puree works great. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
2. Is it necessary to use both oils and butter?
Using both gives the bread a rich flavor and a moist texture. However, you can use all butter or all oil if you prefer.
3. Can I add spices other than cinnamon or pumpkin spice?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of allspice for extra warmth.