Autumn is in the air, and the scent of cinnamon and pumpkin spice fills the kitchen. What better way to celebrate the season than with a loaf of warm, delicious pumpkin bread? This recipe isn't your grandma's pumpkin bread (though we love grandma!), it's elevated with a few artisan touches that make it truly special – perfect for a cozy night in or a thoughtful gift. It's an easy recipe, even for beginner bakers, promising a healthy and satisfying treat. Get ready to make this quick dinner side or delightful dessert!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your pumpkin bread releases easily from the pan.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly to prevent clumps and ensure even baking.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
Step 5: Add Mix-ins (Optional)
Stir in the walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips, if using. These additions add delightful textures and flavors, making your pumpkin bread even more irresistible.
Step 6: 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. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the pumpkin 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. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree helps create a smoother batter and promotes even baking.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Test for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Storage: Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations:
- Spiced Pumpkin Bread: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra layer of warmth.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and swirl it into the batter before baking for a delightful surprise.
- Maple Pumpkin Bread: Substitute maple syrup for half of the granulated sugar for a richer flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
This delicious artisan pumpkin bread is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest – a simple recipe yielding incredible results. It's a healthy meal option, a fantastic dessert, and a delightful gift. Enjoy!