Why Make This Recipe

Pumpkin bread is a cozy treat perfect for any time of the year, but especially in the fall. It is packed with warm spices and has a lovely sweetness from the pumpkin. This bread is not only delicious but also easy to make. You can enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Baking pumpkin bread fills your home with wonderful aromas, making it a favorite among family and friends.

How to Make Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients:

• Flour
• Sugar
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Oil
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix them well.
3. In another bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
6. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is great on its own, but you can also serve it with butter or cream cheese spread. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. For a fun twist, sprinkle some chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking. You could even toast slices and top them with a little maple syrup for a delicious treat!

How to Store Pumpkin Bread

To keep your pumpkin bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider refrigerating it for a week or freezing it for up to three months. For freezing, slice the bread and wrap each slice individually to make it easy to thaw later.

Tips to Make Pumpkin Bread

• Make sure your baking soda is fresh for the best rise.
• Use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor.
• If you prefer a stronger spice flavor, feel free to add more cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Don’t overmix the batter; this will make the bread tough.
• Try adding walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Variation

You can easily change the flavor of pumpkin bread by adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of cream cheese filling. Experiment with different spices too, like ginger or allspice, to find your favorite combination.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree?
Yes, you can make your own pumpkin puree from fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it until smooth.

2. Can I make pumpkin bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version of pumpkin bread.

3. How do I know when the pumpkin bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is done baking.

Enjoy baking and sharing your delicious pumpkin bread!