Easy Pumpkin Bread Recipe: A Delicious Fall Treat
Are you ready to bake up a batch of warm, comforting pumpkin bread? This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. It's incredibly simple, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a moist, flavorful loaf that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree: Make sure it's pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
- 2 large eggs: Room temperature eggs work best for optimal mixing.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and richness to the bread.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of our delicious bread.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Our leavening agent for a fluffy texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A classic pumpkin spice addition.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A touch of spice for that traditional pumpkin flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the other spices beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to bake the perfect pumpkin bread:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps!
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the spices and leavening agent.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool & 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 Pumpkin Bread Perfection:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and pumpkin puree ensures better mixing and a smoother batter.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready!
- Storage: Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Variations to Try:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch.
- Chocolate chips: Swirl in some chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Spiced up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
Enjoy your delicious homemade pumpkin bread! Let us know in the comments how yours turned out! Happy baking!
