Autumn's arrival brings a wave of cozy comfort, and what better way to embrace it than with a warm slice of homemade pumpkin apple bread? This recipe is more than just a dessert; it's a delicious journey into the heart of fall, combining the sweetness of apples with the warm spice of pumpkin. It's incredibly easy to make, perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you're looking for easy recipes, healthy meals, or quick dinner ideas, this delightful bread fits the bill perfectly. This homemade cooking project is a surefire way to elevate your autumnal baking game.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned)
- ½ cup applesauce
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily from the pan.
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Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Thorough mixing of the dry ingredients is key for even baking.
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Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.
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Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
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Add Apples & Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using).
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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. Keep an eye on your bread during the last 15 minutes to prevent over-browning.
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Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set and prevents it from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Apple Bread:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree helps create a more evenly textured bread.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough loaf. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with moist crumbs, bake for a few more minutes.
- Customize your Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A dash of ginger or allspice can add a unique flavor.
Variations:
- Cranberry Pumpkin Apple Bread: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the batter for a burst of tartness.
- Spiced Pumpkin Apple Bread: Increase the cinnamon and add a pinch of cardamom for a more intense spice profile.
- Streusel Topping: Create a simple streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter, then sprinkle it over the bread before baking.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 10-12g Protein: 4-5g Carbohydrates: 40-45g Fiber: 2-3g
This delicious pumpkin apple bread is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a comforting dessert. Enjoy this easy recipe, and let the warm flavors of fall fill your home. It's a delightful addition to your collection of best recipes and healthy meals. Happy baking!