As the scent of warm cinnamon wafts through the house, I’m reminded of autumn afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. It was a sacred space where flour dust hung in the air, and the sound of laughter mingled with the hum of the oven. One of my fondest memories is of learning to make her famous pumpkin bread, a cherished recipe that has been passed down through generations. This delightful bread isn’t just a seasonal treat; it’s a heartwarming reminder of family bonds and the joy of creating something beautiful together.
As the leaves turn and the cool breeze settles in, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a slice of homemade pumpkin bread alongside a cozy cup of tea. This recipe combines the sweet, earthy flavor of pumpkin with warm spices to create a deliciously moist bread that exudes comfort. Join me in baking a loaf that captures the essence of fall—perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a festive gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Bread
- Moist and Delicious: Thanks to the pumpkin, this bread is incredibly moist without being overly sweet.
- One-Bowl Wonder: Easy clean-up with just one bowl to mix all the ingredients.
- Kid-Approved: A family favorite that kids love, making it perfect for baking together.
- Fall Favorite: Celebrate the season with a dish that’s perfect for sharing.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as is or add nuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until they are well combined, creamy, and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together. Stir until evenly blended.
Combine Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing! Your batter should be thick but pourable. If you’d like, fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips at this stage.
Pour into Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and fragrant.
Cool and Slice
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add extra spices such as ginger or allspice for more warmth.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute vegetable oil with coconut oil and use plant-based milk to make it dairy-free.
- Nut Allergies: Omit nuts or swap them with seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower for a crunchy texture.
- Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 1 ¼ cups.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freeze: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or toast them.
Nutritional Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 60 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Calories per serving: Approximately 200 calories (based on 12 servings)
- Servings: 12
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Make sure to cook it until tender and puree it before measuring.
2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix.
3. How do I know when my pumpkin bread is done?
Check with a toothpick or a sharp knife: if it comes out clean (with no batter stuck), it’s done!
4. What can I add to make it richer?
You can mix in cream cheese or replace some of the oil with buttermilk for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions or Pairings
Enjoy a slice of this lovely pumpkin bread with a steaming cup of apple cider, or pair it with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a sweet treat. It’s also delicious alongside a hearty soup or salad, making for a well-rounded fall meal.
Final Thoughts
This pumpkin bread is truly a labor of love, connecting modern experiences with cherished traditions. I encourage you to personalize it and make it your own—whether it’s adding your favorite nuts or sharing a unique serving suggestion. I’d love to hear how your version turns out! Share your photos and stories in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the joys of cooking together. Happy baking!