As autumn leaves begin to fall and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked pumpkin spice bread filling your home. This delightful recipe combines the rich flavors of pumpkin puree with a blend of spices that evoke the essence of fall. The result is a moist, flavorful bread that’s perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. With its combination of sugars and vegetable oil, this pumpkin bread is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, this pumpkin spice bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Pumpkin Spice Bread:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans work well)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Use a whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mixing these dry ingredients separately ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense bread.
Step 6: Add Nuts (If Using)
- If you’re adding nuts, fold them into the batter at this stage. They provide a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Step 7: Pour Batter into Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread begins to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
Step 9: Cool the Bread
- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Dust with Powdered Sugar
- Before serving, dust the top of the cooled pumpkin spice bread with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 31 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 150 mg |
| Sugar | 10 g |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes! If you prefer to use fresh pumpkin, you can cook and puree your own pumpkin. Just ensure it’s smooth and not too watery.
Q2: What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil, melted coconut oil, or even applesauce for a healthier alternative.
Q3: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this pumpkin spice bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
Q4: Can I add chocolate chips to this bread?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips make a delicious addition to pumpkin bread. You can fold in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the dry ingredients.
Q5: How do I store leftover pumpkin bread?
Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months.
Tips for Making the Perfect Pumpkin Spice Bread
- Measure Pumpkin Carefully: Use a measuring cup for accuracy when measuring your pumpkin puree. Too much moisture can affect the bread’s texture.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough bread.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so start checking your bread for doneness at the 55-minute mark. The toothpick test is the best way to ensure it’s done.
- Use Quality Spices: Fresh spices can make a big difference in flavor. If your pumpkin pie spice is old, consider replacing it for a more robust taste.
- Add Zest: For a twist, consider adding a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest to brighten the flavor of the bread.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the cooled pumpkin spice bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week. Just be aware that refrigeration can sometimes dry it out slightly.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooled pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Spice Bread is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall and satisfy your sweet tooth. This easy-to-follow recipe results in a moist, aromatic bread that’s perfect for enjoying on its own or with a smear of butter. With its combination of pumpkin puree, spices, and a hint of sweetness from both granulated and brown sugar, this bread is sure to become a seasonal staple in your home. Whether served for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a comforting dessert, Pumpkin Spice Bread will warm your heart and fill your kitchen with irresistible scents. So, gather your ingredients and enjoy the cozy experience of baking this fall favorite!