Autumn has arrived, and with it comes the irresistible aroma of pumpkin spice! Forget those dense, cakey pumpkin loaves. This recipe delivers a deliciously light and airy yeasted pumpkin bread, bursting with warm fall flavors. It's the perfect homemade treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. This easy recipe is ideal for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for a delightful twist on a classic. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pumpkin bread.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ¼ cup maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Let's get baking! These easy-to-follow steps will guide you through the process.
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Activate the Yeast: In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and active, resulting in a beautifully risen loaf.
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Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, applesauce, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt to the yeast mixture. Whisk until well combined.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour, mixing with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Don't overmix! If using, gently fold in the nuts and maple syrup.
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First Rise: Lightly grease a large bowl. Transfer the dough to the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
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Shape and Second Rise: Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Transfer it to a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until almost doubled.
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
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Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Yeasted Pumpkin Bread
- Use good quality pumpkin puree: This will significantly impact the flavor of your bread.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten too much, resulting in a tough loaf.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick or cake tester to ensure the bread is fully baked.
- Let it cool completely: This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from crumbling when sliced.
Variations to Spice Things Up
- Add chocolate chips: For a decadent twist, fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips along with the nuts.
- Use different nuts: Experiment with other nuts like pecans, walnuts, or even chopped almonds.
- Add spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. A dash of cardamom or allspice would be delicious additions.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
This yeasted pumpkin bread is a delicious and healthy addition to your fall baking repertoire. Its light texture and warm spices make it a perfect treat for any occasion. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of creating this delightful dish from scratch!