Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread: A Recipe for Cozy Fall Baking
Autumn has arrived, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a warm, comforting slice of old-fashioned pumpkin bread? This recipe delivers moist, spiced pumpkin bread with a subtle sweetness that's perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert. Forget those overly sweet, overly processed loaves – this recipe focuses on classic flavors and simple ingredients for a truly satisfying treat.
Why This Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread Recipe Stands Out
This isn't your average pumpkin bread recipe. We've focused on creating a recipe that emphasizes:
- Authentic Flavor: We use real pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a touch of molasses for a deep, complex flavor that captures the essence of fall. No artificial flavors or excessive sweetness here!
- Moist Texture: This recipe utilizes a combination of oil and moisture from the pumpkin puree to create a moist, tender crumb that won't dry out quickly.
- Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Even novice bakers will find this recipe easy to follow, with clear instructions and helpful tips.
- Adaptability: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even cranberries for a unique twist!
Ingredients for Your Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread
This recipe yields one standard loaf of pumpkin bread.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Perfection
Preparing the Dry Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your baked bread.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients ensures even baking and flavor distribution.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. This creates a smooth base for the batter.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread, so be gentle!
- Stir in the pumpkin puree until everything is evenly incorporated.
Baking and Cooling:
- 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.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Pumpkin Bread
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and oil helps create a smoother batter.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the bread is 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.
Serving Suggestions
This old-fashioned pumpkin bread is delicious on its own, but you can also elevate it with:
- A smear of cream cheese frosting
- A drizzle of maple syrup
- A sprinkle of powdered sugar
Enjoy your warm, delicious slice of autumn! Let us know in the comments how your old-fashioned pumpkin bread turned out!
