Why Make This Recipe
Pumpkin bread is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the warm flavors of fall. It’s moist, flavorful, and super easy to make. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, this recipe will fill your home with a wonderful aroma. Plus, it’s a great way to use up canned pumpkin, making it a convenient option throughout the year.
How to Make Pumpkin Bread
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
- 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
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In a large bowl, beat the sugar and oil until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing and cooling completely on a wire rack.
How to Serve Pumpkin Bread
Pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for an extra treat. It pairs well with coffee or tea and can also be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Adding some nuts or chocolate chips to the batter can give it an extra twist if desired.
How to Store Pumpkin Bread
Once your pumpkin bread is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well before freezing!
Tips to Make Pumpkin Bread
- Make sure to use canned pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, as the filling contains added sugars and spices.
- Don’t overmix your batter. Stir until just combined to keep the bread moist.
- You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits for added flavor and texture.
- You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done!
Variation
You can switch things up by adding in other spices like cardamom or allspice. Some people also like to include chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook it until soft, then puree it to use in the recipe.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
You can substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or reduce the sugar to make it less sweet. You can also use unsweetened applesauce instead of oil.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to make more loaves, you can double all the ingredients and bake them in separate pans. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly.