Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This pumpkin bread breadmaker recipe is your answer. Forget complicated instructions and lengthy baking times; this recipe lets your trusty bread machine do the heavy lifting, leaving you with a moist, perfectly spiced pumpkin bread that's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. This quick dinner idea (or dessert!) is so simple, even beginner bakers will feel like pros.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ¾ cup milk (any kind works well)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions:
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Prepare your bread machine: Ensure your bread machine pan is clean and lightly greased. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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Add the wet ingredients: Pour the pumpkin puree, milk, oil, and eggs into the bread machine pan in the order specified by your machine's instruction manual. Most bread machines require liquids to be added first.
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Add the sugar and spices: Add the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to the pan.
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Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
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Add dry ingredients to the bread machine: Carefully pour the dry ingredients into the bread machine pan on top of the wet ingredients.
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Select the correct setting: Choose the "sweet bread" or "dough" setting on your bread machine. Refer to your machine's manual for specific instructions on baking times. Most models take around 3-3.5 hours for a medium-sized loaf.
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Bake and enjoy: Let the bread machine do its magic! Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the warm pumpkin bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Tips for Pumpkin Bread Perfection:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk will help ensure even mixing and a more consistent bake.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Gently stir the ingredients until just combined.
- Check for doneness: While the bread machine does most of the work, it's always a good idea to check for doneness using a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Storage: Store your delicious pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.
Variations:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts add wonderful texture and flavor.
- Chocolate chips: For a decadent treat, stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the dry ingredients.
- Spiced it up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
- Make muffins: Adapt this recipe to make delicious pumpkin muffins by baking in a muffin tin for 18-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250
- Fat: Around 8g
- Protein: Around 4g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40g
- Sugar: Around 15g
This pumpkin bread breadmaker recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking, offering a delicious and convenient way to enjoy the flavors of fall. Enjoy the process and the delightful results! It truly is one of the best recipes for a quick and easy delicious dish.