Are you looking for a comforting, healthy, and surprisingly delicious way to use up that abundance of winter squash? Look no further! This homemade squash bread recipe is the perfect answer. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a moist, subtly sweet loaf perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon snack. This quick dinner alternative is a family favorite and a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. Get ready to experience the magic of this simple yet satisfying healthy meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups pumpkin puree (or other winter squash puree like butternut squash)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose for added fiber)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (or less, to taste – maple syrup is a delicious alternative)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 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 ensures your bread releases easily once baked.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This step ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices throughout your delicious dish.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. If using maple syrup, whisk it in with the wet ingredients.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet 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 Nuts (Optional): Gently fold in the chopped nuts, if using. This adds a delightful crunch to the finished product.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.
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Cool & Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Squash Bread:
- Fresh is Best: Using fresh pumpkin or squash puree will result in the most flavorful bread.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter attached, bake for a few more minutes.
- Storage: Store leftover 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:
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for an extra warm flavor.
- Chocolate Chunk Delight: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Cranberry Bliss: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries for a festive twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250
- Fat: Around 10g
- Protein: Around 4g
- Carbohydrates: Around 35g
- Fiber: Around 2g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall. Enjoy your homemade squash bread!