Pumpkin Bread
As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold and the crispness of fall air settles in, there’s nothing more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked goods filling the house.
Fall is my favorite season, and with it comes the perfect excuse to bake up a storm in the kitchen.
One recipe that my family absolutely adores is pumpkin bread. It’s moist, flavorful, and embodies the essence of autumn with every bite.
I’d love to share my favorite pumpkin bread recipe with you, along with a few creative variations and storage tips to ensure your bread stays delicious.
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Embrace the Season with Pumpkin Bread
Baking pumpkin bread is more than just making a delicious treat; it’s about creating warm, cozy memories with your family.
Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack with the kids, this pumpkin bread is sure to become a fall favorite in your home.
So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the spirit of the season, and enjoy the comforting goodness of homemade pumpkin bread.
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Can I add ingredients to my Pumpkin Bread?
One of the best things about pumpkin bread is how versatile it can be. Here are a few delightful ways to customize your bread:
Nuts: Add a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a satisfying crunch. The nuts complement the spices and pumpkin perfectly.
Cream Cheese Swirl: For a creamy texture, you can swirl some sweetened cream cheese into the batter before baking. Simply mix 4 ounces of softened cream cheese with ¼ cup sugar and 1 egg, then swirl it into the batter with a knife.
Chocolate Chips: For a touch of sweetness, fold in a cup of chocolate chips. The chocolate melts slightly during baking, creating gooey pockets of deliciousness throughout the bread.
Storage Instructions
To keep your pumpkin bread fresh and delicious, here are a few storage options:
On the Counter: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
In the Fridge: For longer storage, you can refrigerate the bread. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to a week.
In the Freezer: If you want to store the bread for even longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Can I make Pumpkin Bread Gluten-Free?
For those who need a gluten-free option, substituting the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flours is simple. Here are a few great alternatives:
Almond Flour: Adds a slightly nutty flavor and moist texture to the bread.
Coconut Flour: Requires less quantity due to its absorbent nature, providing a slight coconut flavor.
Oat Flour: Can be made by grinding gluten-free oats in a blender, giving the bread a hearty texture.
Rice Flour: A versatile flour that works well in most baking recipes.
When using gluten-free flours, it’s often best to use a blend to mimic the texture of all-purpose flour. You can purchase pre-made gluten-free flour blends or make your own by combining the options above.
Why Pumpkin Bread for the Holidays?
Warmth and Comfort: The holidays are a time for creating cherished memories with loved ones, and nothing says comfort like a slice of freshly baked pumpkin bread.
The cozy spices and tender crumb of this bread evoke a sense of warmth that is perfect for bringing people together during the colder months.
Easy to Share: One of the best things about pumpkin bread is its shareability. Bake a few loaves, wrap them in festive paper, and you have a heartfelt gift ready for neighbors, friends, or family.
It’s a simple way to spread holiday cheer and share a homemade treat that everyone can enjoy.
Versatile Ingredients: Pumpkin bread is incredibly versatile, allowing for personal touches to suit different tastes. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or want to add your twist with nuts, chocolate chips, or a streusel topping, there’s room for creativity.
This adaptability makes it a go-to recipe for satisfying a variety of palates at holiday gatherings.
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ c unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks)
- 1 ½ c white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (15oz) can pumpkin puree I use Libby’s
Dry Ingredients
- 2 c all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the pumpkin puree.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Additional Recipes
Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ c unsalted butter 1 ½ sticks
- 1 ½ c white sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 15oz can pumpkin puree I use Libby’s
Dry Ingredients
- 2 c all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the pumpkin puree.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tried this recipe for yourself? Leave a comment and photos below!
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Nutrition Disclaimer: Our Family Cooks is not a dietitian or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
