Pumpkin Bread Holiday

Pumpkin bread is a quintessential holiday treat, filling homes with warm, comforting aromas and providing a delicious, moist slice of autumnal joy. This recipe, “Pumpkin Bread Holiday,” is designed to deliver a perfect loaf every time, showcasing the best flavors of pumpkin spice in a tender, delightful bread. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy fall afternoon, this bread is sure to be a hit.

This article will guide you through creating a truly exceptional pumpkin bread, from gathering the freshest ingredients to mastering the baking process. We’ll cover everything you need to know, including ingredient selection, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for achieving the perfect texture and taste. We’ll also dive into frequently asked questions to ensure your baking experience is smooth and successful. Finally, we provide a detailed recipe card and nutrition information so you can easily recreate this holiday favorite and understand its nutritional profile.

Why This Pumpkin Bread Recipe Stands Out

What makes this pumpkin bread recipe special? It’s the perfect balance of moistness, spice, and pumpkin flavor. Many pumpkin bread recipes result in a dry or bland loaf, but this recipe uses a combination of ingredients that work together to create a tender, flavorful bread that stays moist for days. From the careful selection of spices to the specific ratios of wet and dry ingredients, every detail has been considered to ensure a superior outcome.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bake this amazing pumpkin bread:

• Pumpkin Puree: 1 ½ cups (not pumpkin pie filling)
• All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups
• Sugar: 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• Brown Sugar: ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• Eggs: 2 large
• Vegetable Oil: ½ cup
• Water: ½ cup
• Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons
• Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
• Ginger: ½ teaspoon
• Cloves: ¼ teaspoon
• Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): ½ cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to ensure your pumpkin bread turns out perfectly:

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, you can use baking spray with flour.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add Nuts (Optional): If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
6. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake: Bake for 55-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread

• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
• Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground spices will give your bread the best flavor.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. The baking time can vary depending on your oven.
• Cool Completely: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
• Store Properly: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to customize your pumpkin bread? Here are a few ideas:

• Chocolate Chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl a mixture of cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract into the batter before baking.
• Dried Cranberries: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries for a tart and chewy texture.
• Pumpkin Seeds: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds on top of the bread before baking for added crunch.
• Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple glaze over the cooled bread for extra sweetness.

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Category: Bread | Method: Baking | Cuisine: American

Nutrition Card

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

Calories: 250 | Sugar: 25g | Fat: 10g | Carbohydrates: 40g | Fiber: 2g | Protein: 3g | Yields: 1 loaf (approx. 12 slices)

FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

No, you should not use pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugars and spices that will alter the flavor and texture of the bread. Be sure to use 100% pure pumpkin puree.

Can I freeze pumpkin bread?

Yes, pumpkin bread freezes very well. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How do I prevent my pumpkin bread from sinking in the middle?

Sinking in the middle can be caused by several factors, including overmixing the batter, using too much liquid, or not baking the bread long enough. Be sure to measure ingredients accurately, mix until just combined, and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum for best results. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

How do I keep pumpkin bread moist?

Using oil and pumpkin puree in the recipe helps to keep the bread moist. Storing the bread in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator will also help prevent it from drying out. You can also add a slice of apple to the container to help maintain moisture.

I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoyed this recipe or found it helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family great food is meant to be shared! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and daily cooking inspiration, Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to bringing you even more tasty ideas straight from my kitchen.

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