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Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make loaf that captures the essence of autumn. Made with simple pantry staples like pumpkin puree, warm spices, and tender flour, this comforting bread is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack. Its versatility allows for numerous variations and it makes a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or freshly cooked)
  • 3/4 to 1 cup sugar (preferably brown sugar for deeper flavor)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 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 cloves

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
  • For vegan version: use flaxseed eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water) instead of eggs, and plant-based oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
  4. Fold Dry Ingredients Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
  5. Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in any nuts, chocolate chips, orange zest, or other add-ins if using, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely for easier slicing and better texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and smooth batter.
  • Don’t overmix to avoid dense or tough bread.
  • Check oven temperature with a thermometer to ensure consistent baking.
  • Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
  • Experiment with spices by adding ginger or allspice for varied flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin bread, autumn bread, moist pumpkin loaf, easy pumpkin bread, gluten free pumpkin bread, vegan pumpkin bread, holiday baking