As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through the house. This easy pumpkin bread recipe is my go-to for cozy fall mornings, and I know it will become yours too. Whether you’re a busy mom juggling a million tasks or a professional looking for a quick treat to impress, this recipe is a delightful solution. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying with a warm cup of coffee. Let’s dive into this seasonal favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy mornings.
- Moist and flavorful, with a delightful blend of spices.
- Versatile enough to enjoy as breakfast, a snack, or dessert.
- Fills your home with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Great for sharing with family and friends during fall gatherings.
Pumpkin Bread Recipe for Cozy Fall Mornings
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 slices (makes 2 loaves) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy pumpkin bread recipe perfect for cozy fall mornings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda, sifted to eliminate lumps
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves, optional
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, optional
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup extra light olive oil (or vegetable or corn oil)
- 15 oz pumpkin puree
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚F. Butter and lightly dust with flour, two 8 1/2″x4 1/2″ bread pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 tsp baking soda, 2 tsp baking powder, 2 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1/2 tsp salt.
- In a second medium mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: 3 room temp eggs, 1 cup oil, and pumpkin puree.
- Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients then whisk together until smooth.
- Divide evenly between 2 prepared bread pans and bake at 350˚F for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes then transfer to a wire rack to fully cool.
Notes
- My oven took 50 minutes to bake the bread.
- Optional spices can be adjusted according to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Bread, Fall Recipe, Easy Baking
Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating your delicious pumpkin bread. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your bread, providing structure and texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that lovely golden crust.
- Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise, ensuring a light texture.
- Baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for extra lift, making your bread fluffy.
- Cinnamon: The warm spice that brings a cozy fall flavor to your bread.
- Ground cloves (optional): Adds a hint of warmth and depth; a little goes a long way!
- Ground nutmeg (optional): Another warm spice that complements the pumpkin beautifully.
- Fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Large eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps create a smoother batter and better rise.
- Extra light olive oil (or vegetable/corn oil): Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- Pumpkin puree: The star of the show! It adds moisture, flavor, and that beautiful orange hue.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Pumpkin Bread
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—making your pumpkin bread! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350˚F. This step is crucial because it ensures even baking. While the oven warms up, butter and lightly dust two 8 1/2″x4 1/2″ bread pans with flour. This will help your bread slide out easily once it’s baked. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than a loaf that sticks!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these ingredients well is essential. It ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which helps your pumpkin bread rise beautifully. Plus, it combines all those lovely spices for a warm, inviting flavor.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the room temperature eggs, oil, and pumpkin puree. Using room temperature eggs is key here. They blend more smoothly into the batter, creating a light and fluffy texture. Make sure to mix until everything is well combined. You want a smooth, creamy mixture that’s ready to join the dry ingredients!
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Gently whisk them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we want our pumpkin bread to be light and airy. Just think of it as a cozy hug in bread form!
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Pop them in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your pumpkin bread is ready! If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove. After that, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can resist, let them cool fully before slicing. This will help the flavors develop even more. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Enjoy your cozy pumpkin bread!
Tips for Success
- Always measure your flour correctly; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off.
- For extra flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
- Let your pumpkin bread cool completely before slicing for the best texture.
- Store in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh.
- Feel free to experiment with spices to find your perfect blend!
Equipment Needed
- Two 8 1/2″x4 1/2″ bread pans (or any similar-sized loaf pans)
- Mixing bowls (a large one for dry ingredients and a medium one for wet)
- Whisk (or a fork if you’re in a pinch)
- Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
- Toothpick for checking doneness
Variations To Try
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Fold in a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet twist that kids will love.
- Nuts Galore: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive friends.
- Spiced Pumpkin Bread: Experiment with additional spices like ginger or allspice for a more complex flavor profile.
- Maple Pumpkin Bread: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup for a unique sweetness and a hint of maple flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your pumpkin bread with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for a rich treat.
- Enjoy it alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or pumpkin spice latte.
- For a festive touch, sprinkle powdered sugar on top before serving.
- Slice and serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
FAQs about Pumpkin Bread
As you embark on your pumpkin bread journey, you might have a few questions. Here are some common queries I’ve encountered, along with helpful answers to guide you along the way.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Absolutely! If you have fresh pumpkin, just roast it until tender, then puree it. This will give your pumpkin bread a fresh flavor, but make sure to drain any excess moisture for the best results.
How do I store leftover pumpkin bread?
To keep your pumpkin bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should last about a week. For longer storage, consider freezing slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then in foil.
Can I make pumpkin bread ahead of time?
Yes! Pumpkin bread actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it properly. Just remember to let it cool completely before wrapping it up.
What can I do if my pumpkin bread is too dense?
If your pumpkin bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and mix just until combined for a lighter loaf.
Can I add other ingredients to my pumpkin bread?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative. You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits like cranberries for a delightful twist. Just remember to adjust the baking time if you add a lot of extra ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking pumpkin bread. The process fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia, reminding us of cozy fall mornings spent with loved ones. Each slice is a hug in bread form, perfect for sharing or savoring alone with a cup of tea. I love how this easy pumpkin bread recipe brings joy and comfort, making it a staple in my home. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or toasting it for breakfast, this delightful treat is sure to become a cherished part of your fall traditions. Happy baking!
