This pumpkin bread recipe offers a deliciously moist loaf that highlights the natural flavor of pumpkin without the addition of pumpkin pie spice. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, it’s simple to prepare and uses common pantry ingredients.
The recipe is straightforward and can be easily customized with nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Creating the Perfect Pumpkin Bread
Crafting a loaf of pumpkin bread is a delightful experience, especially during the autumn months. The combination of pumpkin puree, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a warm and inviting flavor profile that is hard to resist.
To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need canned pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. These basics form the foundation of your bread, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
Mixing the wet ingredients is the first step. Combine the pumpkin puree, oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large bowl until they are well blended. This mixture will provide the rich moisture that makes this bread so appealing.
Combining Ingredients for Flavor
Next, it’s time to focus on the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend not only adds structure to the bread but also infuses it with aromatic spices that enhance the pumpkin flavor.
Once the dry ingredients are ready, gradually incorporate them into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. If you choose to add nuts or chocolate chips, now is the perfect moment to fold them in for extra texture and flavor.
Baking to Perfection
Prepare your loaf pan by greasing it and then pour the batter in, smoothing the top for an even bake. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is essential for achieving that golden-brown crust.
Place the pan in the oven and let it bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The aroma that fills your kitchen will be a delightful hint of what’s to come. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is ready.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps the loaf maintain its shape when transferred to a wire rack for complete cooling.
When ready to serve, slice the bread to reveal its moist, dense texture, with flecks of cinnamon throughout. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy snack or breakfast option.
Customizing Your Pumpkin Bread
This pumpkin bread recipe is versatile and can be easily customized. Consider adding walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch, or chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness. Each variation brings a unique twist to the classic recipe.
Feel free to experiment with different spices or even add a swirl of cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat. The possibilities are endless, making this recipe a staple in your baking repertoire.
Enjoying the Autumn Vibes
Present your freshly baked pumpkin bread on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by scattered walnuts and a small bowl of chocolate chips. This rustic display not only looks inviting but also captures the essence of fall.
Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it alone, this pumpkin bread is sure to bring warmth and comfort to your day. Enjoy every slice as you embrace the flavors of the season!
Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe
This pumpkin bread features a rich pumpkin flavor complemented by cinnamon and nutmeg. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and yields one loaf.
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 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). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- 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 in the preheated oven 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 before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 25g