Bake a Loaf of Pumpkin Bread

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked pumpkin bread wafting through your home. This moist and flavorful pumpkin bread is spiced to perfection and is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. The secret to a taller loaf lies in the right combination of ingredients and baking techniques. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar (you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground allspice
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil for a unique flavor)
• ⅓ cup water (or milk for extra richness)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Optional add-ins: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), chocolate chips, or dried cranberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A hot oven is crucial for a nice rise. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Make sure there are no lumps, and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until they’re lightly beaten. Add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, water (or milk), and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well-combined and smooth. Using room temperature ingredients helps create a better texture in your bread.
4. Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently fold the two together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix; you want just enough mixing to combine the ingredients without developing the gluten too much. This ensures a tender crumb.
5. Optional Add-ins: If you choose to use any add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now. This not only adds texture but also enhances the flavor of your pumpkin bread.
6. Pour and Level: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. To achieve a taller loaf, fill the pan about ¾ full, which allows enough room for rising without overflowing. Use a spatula to level the top of the batter, creating an even surface.
7. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
8. Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the pumpkin bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove. Carefully run a knife around the edges, then turn the bread out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serving Suggestions: This pumpkin bread is delightful on its own but can be enhanced with a few toppings. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting for a sweet touch, or serve it with butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. For a special treat, drizzle a simple maple glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup over the top once the bread has cooled.
10. Storage: Pumpkin bread keeps well at room temperature for several days. To extend its freshness, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

Tips for a Perfect Pumpkin Bread:

• Choosing the Right Pumpkin: Always use pure pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and liquids helps create a smoother batter and can lead to a better rise.
• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Some people love a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg for more warmth.
• Experiment with Flours: You can experiment by using whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend to add a different texture and flavor profile.
• Check Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.

Baking this pumpkin bread not only fills your kitchen with the warm, comforting scent of fall but also creates a delicious treat that you and your loved ones can enjoy for days. Whether you slice it for breakfast, savor it with coffee, or share it with friends, this pumpkin bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Happy baking!