Pumpkin Bread
Prepare this delightful Pumpkin Bread in just 15 minutes, with a cook time of 55-65 minutes. One loaf serves about 10-12 slices, perfect for sharing!
Ingredients
Basic Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour – This will be the base of your bread giving it structure and a nice crumb.
- 1 cup of pumpkin puree – Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin not the pumpkin pie filling.
- 1 cup of sugar – You can use white granulated sugar or mix half with brown sugar for added depth.
- ½ cup of vegetable oil – Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs – These will bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda – Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon of baking powder – Ensures even rising.
- ½ teaspoon of salt – Brings out the richness of all the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice.
- ½ teaspoon of nutmeg – Perfect for that cozy fall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon of ground ginger – Gives a bit of a spicy kick.
- ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves – A little goes a long way but it’s essential for that true autumn flavor.
Optional Add-Ins:
- If you want to get a little creative here are some options to customize your pumpkin bread:
- ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds a nice crunch.
- ½ cup of chocolate chips – For those with a sweet tooth.
- ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor making it even more fragrant.
- A sprinkle of pumpkin seeds on top – Adds a beautiful finish and a nice crunch.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your bread bakes evenly and has a perfect golden crust by the time it’s done.
Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pan
- Grease a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan with a little bit of vegetable oil or butter. You can also line it with parchment paper if you prefer easier removal.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This step ensures that your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together your pumpkin puree, sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. If you’re adding vanilla extract, toss it in here. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix the batter, or your bread will turn out tough. Stir until everything is moistened and looks like a cohesive batter.
Step 6: Add Optional Mix-Ins
- If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or anything else, now is the time to gently fold them into the batter.
Step 7: Pour and Bake
- Transfer the batter to your greased loaf pan, ensuring it's evenly spread. If you want to sprinkle some pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts on top, this is the time to do it. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.