Is there anything more comforting than the warm, spicy aroma of pumpkin bread wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn evening? This isn't just any pumpkin bread; this is Grandma's recipe – a treasured family heirloom, perfected over decades and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household. It's easy enough for even the newest home cooks to master, yet delicious enough to impress seasoned bakers. Get ready to experience the ultimate in homemade comfort food! This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas – though it's more of a delightful dessert or snack!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until well combined. A hand mixer works wonders here, saving you time and effort.
Adding the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
Adding Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, if desired. This adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Baking the Bread: 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.
Cooling and Serving: 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 Pumpkin Bread:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree helps create a smoother batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Test for Doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached – not completely clean, as the bread will continue to cook slightly as it cools.
- 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. It also freezes beautifully!
Variations:
- Spiced Pumpkin Bread: Add a pinch of ginger or allspice for an extra warming kick.
- Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, make a simple cream cheese glaze by mixing powdered sugar with softened cream cheese and a splash of milk or vanilla extract.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients used and slice size. For a more precise calculation, use an online nutritional calculator with the specific ingredients and serving size. Generally, pumpkin bread provides a good source of fiber and vitamins.
This delicious and easy-to-make Grandma's Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bread is perfect for any occasion – from cozy fall evenings to holiday gatherings. Enjoy this taste of tradition and happy baking!