This homemade pumpkin bread recipe is incredibly moist and simple to prepare. It’s infused with delightful spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, creating a rich and flavorful loaf. Combining oil, melted butter, and eggs ensure its irresistibly moist texture. It’s the ultimate pumpkin bread recipe, perfect for autumn.
Pumpkin Bread
Nothing beats the taste of homemade bread, and luckily, our pumpkin bread recipe is both easy to follow and customized to your preferences.
With this recipe, you’ll achieve a wonderfully flavorful and moist pumpkin bread that’s ideal for fall occasions. Continue reading for a comprehensive guide on making pumpkin bread and addressing common baking questions for newcomers. Let’s get started with baking!
INGREDIENT NOTES
- Canned Pumpkin: Libby’s Pumpkin in a can works great for a robust flavor. You’ll have some leftovers, so you can save it or use it for other recipes.
- All-Purpose Flour: You can use standard all-purpose flour or try whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
- Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents help the bread rise, and it’s important to know the difference between them.
- Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg add the delightful flavors of fall. If you have pumpkin pie spice, you can use 3 1/2 teaspoons instead.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bread.
- Oil: Vegetable or canola oil creates a super moist bread. Coconut oil is an alternative, but it will alter the flavor and texture.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure, and leavening, and result in tender pumpkin bread.
- Melted Butter: Adding melted butter enriches the flavor and enhances the moisture in the bread.
- Vanilla Extract: This extract enhances the overall flavors of the recipe. Always opt for pure vanilla extract when baking.
Tips for Making Easy Pumpkin Bread:
- Measure all ingredients before starting.
- Use high-quality ingredients like organic eggs, full-fat butter, and pure vanilla extract for better results.
- Preheat the oven before baking.
- Add oil, butter, and vanilla slowly with the mixer running to incorporate air.
- Accurate oven temperature and loaf pan material affect baking time.
- Mini loaf pans can be used for individual servings.
Loaf Pan Recommendation:
A 10″ x 5″ x 3″ ceramic loaf pan, such as The Emile Henry French Ceramic Ruffled, is recommended for even baking.
If using an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan, fill it 3/4 full or get two smaller loaf cakes.
How to Prepare a Loaf Pan:
Grease the loaf pan thoroughly with butter, oil, or shortening even if using parchment paper.
How to Store Pumpkin Bread:
- At room temperature: It can last up to five days, covered or wrapped in plastic.
- In the refrigerator: Store for up to a week.
How to Freeze Pumpkin Bread:
Wrap each loaf in two layers of freezer paper or aluminum foil to remove air. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours before rewrapping for storage.
FAQs
Why Is My Pumpkin Bread So Dense?
Pumpkin bread is meant to be somewhat dense. However, if it’s too dense, you may have cooked it too long. Reduce baking time or temperature.
Covering the loaf pan with foil in the last 10 minutes of baking can prevent the top from becoming too dark.
Slowly adding oil while mixing can help create a lighter consistency.
Why Did My Pumpkin Bread Not Rise?
Several factors can prevent pumpkin bread from rising:
- Overfilling the pan with batter.
- Stale baking powder or baking soda.
- Too high of a cooking temperature.
- An incorrect ratio of dry-to-wet ingredients.
- Cutting into it before it cooled completely.
How Do You Know When Pumpkin Bread Is Done?
Pumpkin bread is ready when the middle is fully cooked. Insert a toothpick or skewer into the middle; it should come out clean. A crack in the middle also indicates it’s done.
Why Does My Loaf Cake Crack?
Cracking on top is common in loaf cakes. As the batter bakes, it rises, and when it reaches the top of the pan, it may crack as it continues to expand.
Why Is My Pumpkin Loaf Dry?
A dry loaf cake can result from using too much flour or baking it too long. These issues can absorb or evaporate the liquid in the batter, making the loaf dry.
Does Pumpkin Bread Go Bad?
Yes, Pumpkin bread can be bad after one week in the refrigerator, but freezes well for up to two months. Store it properly to maintain freshness.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Yes, you could use fresh pumpkin instead of canned. Be sure to puree the fresh pumpkin until it’s smooth, similar to canned pumpkin, for the best results. Keep in mind that using fresh pumpkins may slightly alter the flavor of the bread.
WHAT CAN YOU ADD TO PUMPKIN BREAD?
Certainly, you can get creative with your pumpkin bread by adding various ingredients to enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some ideas:
- Chocolate Chips: Adding chocolate chips, either semi-sweet or white, can create a delightful contrast to the pumpkin flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Swirling cream cheese into the batter or creating a cream cheese filling adds a creamy, tangy element to your pumpkin bread.
- Banana: Mashed ripe bananas can complement the pumpkin flavor and add natural sweetness.
- Coconut: Toasted coconut flakes can provide a subtle tropical note and a pleasant crunch.
- Cream Cheese Glaze or Icing: Top your pumpkin bread with a sweet and tangy cream cheese glaze or icing for an extra layer of flavor.
- Caramel: Drizzling caramel sauce or adding caramel bits can give your pumpkin bread a delightful caramel flavor.
- Cinnamon: Boost the warm, spicy notes with a sprinkle of cinnamon in the batter.
- Crumb Topping: Add a crumbly, streusel-like topping for a delightful texture contrast.
- Zucchini: Grated zucchini can add moisture and a subtle veggie element to your bread.
- Remember, these are just suggestions, and you can mix and match ingredients to create your own unique pumpkin bread recipe. Enjoy experimenting and savoring the delicious flavors of fall!
The Best Homemade Pumpkin Recipe
Absolutely, homemade pumpkin bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for fall and beyond. With these tips and ideas for variations, you’ll be well on your way to making the perfect, moist pumpkin bread that your family and friends will adore.
Sharing freshly baked pumpkin bread with loved ones or as a thoughtful gift is a wonderful way to embrace the spirit of the season. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your favorite flavors or toppings to make it truly unique.
As the cool autumn breeze rolls in, enjoy the cozy moments with a warm slice of pumpkin bread and a cup of your favorite beverage. It’s a comforting and delicious way to celebrate the joys of fall. Happy baking!
Love Pumpkin? Be sure to check out these other great pumpkin recipes!
- Pumpkin Cheesecake
- Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
- Pumpkin Cookies
- Pumpkin Cupcakes
- Pumpkin Muffins
- Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Roll
Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon of ginger
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 1/2 cups of canned pumpkin
- 1 1/2 cups of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1/2 cup of melted butter
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, spices, and salt, and set this mixture aside.
- In a liquid measuring cup, blend together the oil, butter, and vanilla.
- In another mixing bowl equipped with a paddle attachment, beat together the pumpkin, sugar, and eggs until well combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually incorporate the liquid ingredients, taking about 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a light and fluffy mixture.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until well blended.
- Prepare a 10 x 5 loaf pan by thoroughly greasing it and lining the bottom and sides with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Bake the mixture in the preheated 350-degree oven for 1 hour. Ensure the bread is fully cooked and has a browned top to prevent collapsing in the center after removal.
Notes
2. Opt for high-quality ingredients like whole, organic eggs, full-fat butter, and pure vanilla extract to enhance the pumpkin bread's quality.
3. When adding the oil, butter, and vanilla, do so gradually while the mixer is running to incorporate air into the mixture.
4. Keep in mind that the baking time can vary based on your oven's accuracy and the type of loaf pan used.
5. If you're including chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in when incorporating the dry ingredients.
Pin this delicious recipe on Pinterest to save and share with your foodie friends!
Pumpkin Bread