Autumn's vibrant colors and crisp air inspire cozy moments, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a warm slice of homemade apple pumpkin bread? This recipe combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin spice with the sweet tartness of apples, creating a moist and delicious bread perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. It’s an easy recipe, ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a quick and satisfying homemade treat. This healthy and delicious dish is perfect for those looking for quick dinner ideas or simply a comforting addition to their meal planning.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji recommended)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread bakes evenly and releases easily from the pan.
Dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps in your final product.
Wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined. The wet ingredients form the base of your bread, providing moisture and sweetness.
Combine: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
Add the extras: Stir in the chopped apples and nuts (if using). The apples add a delightful texture and sweetness, while the nuts provide a nice crunch.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your bread during the last 15 minutes, as ovens can vary.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Apple Pumpkin Bread:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and applesauce helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it's done.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra layer of warmth.
- Chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Different nuts: Use any type of nut you prefer, such as pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts.
- Citrus zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: Approximately 8-10g
- Protein: Approximately 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
This delicious and easy apple pumpkin bread recipe is perfect for any occasion. Its comforting flavors and moist texture make it a true fall favorite. Enjoy!