Pumpkin Bread Recipe: A Simple Treat for Fall Baking

Fall is here, and that means it’s time to bake something warm and cozy.

This pumpkin bread recipe offers a perfect blend of spices and a soft crumb that will fill your home with delightful aromas.

It’s a simple way to enjoy the flavors of the season, whether you savor it for breakfast or as a snack.

With just a few ingredients and easy steps, anyone can whip up this delicious treat in no time.

Whether paired with coffee or enjoyed on its own, this pumpkin bread is sure to please.

Grab your canned pumpkin, and let’s get started!

Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This pumpkin bread is soft, moist, and filled with warm spices. It makes a perfect fall treat that pairs well with coffee or tea. Here is how to make it.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 ¾ cups (220g) 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
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup (240g) canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup (60ml) milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional Mix-ins:
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or use parchment paper to line it.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves until everything is fully combined.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 cup pumpkin puree, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, ¼ cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mix. Then, fold gently until just mixed. Avoid overmixing. If desired, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Then, bake for 55-65 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool: Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, move it to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Selecting Your Ingredients

Choosing the right ingredients is key to making delicious pumpkin bread. Each ingredient plays a big role in flavor and texture. Below are important points about selecting these ingredients.

Choosing the Right Pumpkin

For pumpkin bread, using canned pumpkin puree is often best. It’s made from sugar pumpkins, which are sweeter and smoother.

Make sure to select pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling. The filling contains added sugars and spices that can change the recipe.

If you prefer fresh pumpkin, look for smaller varieties like pie pumpkins. These have a better taste for baking than large jack-o’-lantern pumpkins.

To use fresh pumpkin, cut it open, remove the seeds, roast, and puree it before using. This can take more time, but it adds a fresh flavor.

Flour & Leavening Agents

All-purpose flour is the most common choice for pumpkin bread. It gives a nice balance of structure and softness.

Whole wheat flour can be used, but it may make the bread denser.

For leavening, a mix of baking soda and baking powder works great.

Baking soda helps the bread rise and gives it a light texture. Make sure the baking soda is fresh for the best results.

Adding a little bit of salt enhances all the flavors and helps the bread rise evenly.

Sweeteners & Spices

Granulated sugar and brown sugar give depth to the sweetness. Brown sugar adds a bit of moisture, which helps keep the bread tender.

Adjust the amounts for personal taste, but a mix of both often works best.

Spices are what make pumpkin bread special. Common options include cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Each spice adds warmth and personality. Using fresh spices can make a noticeable difference. Make sure to measure carefully to keep a balanced flavor.

Eggs, Oils, & Dairy

Eggs are important in pumpkin bread. They provide structure and moisture.

Using large eggs is standard.

For oil, vegetable oil keeps the bread moist and soft. Some people use melted butter for added richness.

A little milk adds creaminess. Whole milk or even a plant-based milk works well.

Don’t forget to include a splash of vanilla extract. It enriches the flavor profile surprisingly well.

Preparing the Pumpkin

Getting the pumpkin ready is an important step in making pumpkin bread. Proper preparation helps create that delicious flavor and smooth texture.

Cleaning & Cutting

Start by choosing a fresh pumpkin. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a sturdy stem.

Before cutting, wash the pumpkin under cold water to remove dirt.

Next, place the pumpkin on a stable surface. Use a sharp knife to cut off the top. Then cut it in half from top to bottom.

Remove the seeds and stringy bits using a spoon. It’s okay to save the seeds for roasting later.

Once cleaned, you can cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces if desired. This will make cooking or baking it easier.

Cooking Methods

There are a few ways to cook the pumpkin. The most common methods are boiling, roasting, and steaming.

For boiling, place pumpkin pieces in a pot of boiling water for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft.

For roasting, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the pumpkin on a baking sheet, and bake for 30-40 minutes until tender.

Steaming can also be effective. Simply place the pumpkin in a steaming basket over boiling water and cook for 20-25 minutes.

Each method works well, but roasting often brings out more flavor.

Pureeing Steps

After cooking the pumpkin, let it cool down first.

Once it’s cool, scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.

Blend until smooth. If it feels too thick, add a small amount of water or milk to help it blend well.

For a more rustic texture, a hand masher can also work.

Make sure to measure out 1 cup of pumpkin puree for the recipe.

It’s important to use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, to avoid added sugars and spices.

Baking the Bread

Baking pumpkin bread is a fun and straightforward process. It involves mixing the ingredients, preparing the pan, and baking it to perfection. Each step is important for achieving a delicious loaf.

Mixing the Batter

To start, gather all the ingredients on the countertop.

In a medium bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon ground cloves. Whisk these dry ingredients until they are well mixed.

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup packed brown sugar, 1 cup canned pumpkin puree, ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter), 2 large eggs, ¼ cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.

Next, gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix.

It’s important to mix just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy. If desired, you can fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.

Pan Preparation & Oven Settings

Before baking, it’s essential to prepare the loaf pan.

You should either grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This step will help prevent the bread from sticking.

While preparing the pan, set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven ensures the bread cooks evenly.

Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.

Baking Time & Temperature

Now it’s time to bake the loaf.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s done.

After baking, remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

This cooling step helps enhance the texture and flavor of the pumpkin bread. Enjoy the cozy aroma filling the kitchen!

Serving & Storage

Once the pumpkin bread is baked and cooled, it’s ready to be enjoyed. Understanding how to slice, store, and freeze it can keep the bread fresh and delicious for longer.

Cooling & Slicing

After baking, the pumpkin bread needs to cool down a bit in the pan for 10 minutes. This step helps it firm up, making it easier to slice.

Once it’s cooled lightly, move the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.

Wait until the bread is completely cool before slicing. This helps retain moisture, keeping each slice soft.

Use a serrated knife for the best cut. A sharp knife prevents squishing and gives clean, even slices.

Storing for Freshness

To keep the pumpkin bread fresh, store it in an airtight container.

It lasts for up to 3 days at room temperature. If longer storage is needed, the refrigerator can keep it for up to a week.

For added freshness, wrapping the bread in plastic wrap before placing it in the container is a good idea. This prevents air from drying it out.

Don’t forget to label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing Tips

Freezing pumpkin bread is a great option for longer storage. First, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it inside a freezer bag or an airtight container. This will protect it from freezer burn.

Pumpkin bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. For quick defrosting, microwave each slice for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoying frozen pumpkin bread is just as delightful as fresh!