This moist pumpkin bread is a delightful treat, perfect for fall or any time of year. Made with 1 cup of pumpkin puree, it offers a rich flavor and a soft texture that pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
The recipe is simple and straightforward, making it easy to whip up a batch for breakfast or as a snack. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
Creating the Perfect Pumpkin Bread
There’s something special about the aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through the kitchen. This delightful treat captures the essence of fall, making it a favorite for many.
With its golden-brown crust and slightly cracked top, this loaf is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight. The moist interior, revealed upon slicing, invites you to enjoy a warm slice, perhaps with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey.
Gathering around a loaf of pumpkin bread can evoke feelings of warmth and comfort, especially when shared with loved ones during the cooler months.
Ingredients That Shine
The beauty of this pumpkin bread lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients.
At the heart of the recipe is pumpkin puree, which lends a rich, earthy flavor and a moist texture. The combination of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds warmth and depth, making each bite a cozy experience.
Optional additions like walnuts or chocolate chips can elevate the bread even further, providing delightful texture and flavor contrasts.
Step-by-Step Baking Process
Starting with the right preparation is key to achieving that perfect loaf.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan. This ensures that your bread will bake evenly and release easily once done.
Mixing the wet ingredients first allows for a smooth batter, while combining the dry ingredients separately helps to distribute the leavening agents evenly.
The Baking Experience
Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Baking time typically ranges from 50 to 60 minutes. The anticipation builds as the bread rises and the kitchen fills with its inviting scent.
A toothpick test will help determine doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Cooling and Slicing
After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
This step is crucial as it helps the loaf set and makes transferring it to a wire rack easier.
Once completely cooled, slicing into the bread reveals its moist and tender crumb, perfect for enjoying any time of day.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways.
Serve it warm with butter for a comforting breakfast or snack.
It also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for afternoon gatherings.
For a festive touch, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of cream cheese frosting.
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
This pumpkin bread is made with fresh pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, and warm spices, creating a comforting loaf that is sure to please. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and yields one loaf.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the nuts or chocolate chips.
- Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 28g