Are you craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall? Then look no further! This pumpkin bread recipe, made effortlessly in your bread machine, is the perfect answer. Forget complicated recipes and messy kitchens; this easy recipe delivers a moist, spiced pumpkin bread that's sure to become a family favorite. It’s the ultimate quick dinner idea for a cozy autumn evening, or a delightful treat to share with friends. This homemade cooking masterpiece is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros. Get ready to experience the best recipes for pumpkin bread, conveniently baked in your bread machine!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Bread Machine:
Grease your bread machine pan lightly with cooking spray or butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious pumpkin bread.
Step 2: Adding Ingredients:
Add the ingredients to your bread machine pan in the order specified by your machine's manual. Generally, liquids go in first, followed by wet ingredients, then dry ingredients. For this recipe, a typical order would be: pumpkin puree, oil, eggs, sugar, spices, salt, baking soda, flour, nuts (if using), and chocolate chips (if using).
Step 3: Selecting the Cycle:
Select the "sweet bread" or "dough" cycle on your bread machine. If your machine doesn't have a specific "sweet bread" setting, the "basic" or "white bread" cycle will also work well.
Step 4: Baking:
Allow the bread machine to complete the baking cycle. This usually takes around 3-4 hours, depending on your machine. Resist the urge to open the lid during baking, as this can affect the rise and texture of the bread.
Step 5: Cooling and Enjoying:
Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the pumpkin bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This prevents it from becoming crumbly.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree helps ensure even baking.
- Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will give your bread a more vibrant flavor.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like raisins, cranberries, or even a swirl of cream cheese frosting.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Protein: 4-5g Carbohydrates: 35-40g Fiber: 2-3g
This pumpkin bread is a perfect healthy meal option for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences, making it a versatile addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and delicious dishes. Enjoy this delightful homemade cooking experience! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any fall gathering. This recipe represents some of the best recipes available for a quick and easy pumpkin bread that's sure to become a staple in your kitchen.