Are you ready to embrace the cozy flavors of autumn? Then look no further than this stunning Tiger Stripe Pumpkin Bread! This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, delivering a moist, flavorful loaf with beautiful swirls of spice and pumpkin. It's a delightful addition to your fall baking repertoire, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting afternoon treat. This easy recipe is a quick dinner idea, perfect for those busy weeknights, and makes for a wonderful homemade cooking experience. It's one of the best recipes you'll find for a delicious and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
For the Spice Swirl:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your bread releases easily once baked.
Making the Batter:
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to combine all the dry ingredients. This prevents pockets of spice in your final loaf.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Creaming the sugars and oil together adds richness to the bread.
-
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
-
Stir in the pumpkin puree and milk until the batter is smooth.
Creating the Tiger Stripes:
-
In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the spice swirl.
-
Divide the batter in half. Stir the spice mixture into one half of the batter.
-
Layer the plain batter and spiced batter into the prepared loaf pan, spooning dollops of each color next to each other. Don't worry about mixing them; the swirling effect will happen in the oven. You can create a more marbled effect by gently swirling a knife through the batter.
Baking and Cooling:
-
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes as ovens vary.
-
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of regular oil.
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for added texture.
- Substitute applesauce for half of the oil for a healthier option.
- Drizzle a cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze over the cooled bread for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Protein: 4-5g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.)
This Tiger Stripe Pumpkin Bread is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this delicious and easy fall treat! Remember to share your baking creations with us! Happy baking!