Are you craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall but short on time? This easy pumpkin bread recipe uses a cake mix shortcut, making it the perfect quick dinner idea or delightful addition to your fall baking repertoire. Forget complicated recipes; this one's so simple, even beginner bakers will feel like pros! This homemade cooking masterpiece is packed with pumpkin spice goodness and delivers a moist, tender crumb that's irresistible. Get ready to enjoy a delicious dish that’s both healthy and satisfying!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 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 ensures your pumpkin bread releases easily and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined; don't overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. If adding nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them in now.
Step 3: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 4: Cool and Enjoy
Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy this delicious and easy recipe!
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree helps create a more even texture.
- Test for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out with moist crumbs attached, bake for a few more minutes.
- Customize your flavors: Add different spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to enhance the pumpkin flavor. Consider adding a swirl of cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence!
Variations:
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and swirl it into the batter before baking.
- Streusel Topping: Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, and 2 tablespoons melted butter. Sprinkle over the batter before baking.
- Spiced Pumpkin Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the batter for an extra kick of warm spices.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: Approximately 10-15g Protein: Approximately 4-5g Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40g
This easy pumpkin bread recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy meals that don't require hours in the kitchen. It's ideal for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon snack, or even a quick dessert. Enjoy the wonderful aroma and taste of autumn with this simple yet satisfying treat!