Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This pumpkin bread recipe uses a cake mix as a base, slashing the prep time dramatically without sacrificing flavor. It's the perfect quick dinner idea for a cozy evening or a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. This recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes you can whip up even on busy weeknights, making it a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire.
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 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
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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.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps of pumpkin remaining.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Mix in Extras (Optional): Gently fold in your choice of nuts and/or chocolate chips if desired.
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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. Ovens vary, so keep an eye on it after 50 minutes.
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Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
- Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to add extra spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to enhance the pumpkin flavor.
- 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:
- 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 an extra decadent treat.
- Maple Pumpkin Bread: Replace 1/4 cup of the oil with maple syrup for a richer, sweeter flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free spice cake mix for a delicious gluten-free version.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This easy pumpkin bread recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned cooks alike. It’s a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Enjoy this delicious and comforting treat! This is one of the best recipes for a simple yet satisfying homemade dessert.