Perfectly Baked Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is a delightful fall treat that's packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you're looking for a healthy snack or a holiday dessert, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth while offering a generous dose of vitamins!

This pumpkin bread is easy to make and takes around 1 hour to prepare from start to finish. You'll need just a few ingredients: canned pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.

The aroma of fresh baked pumpkin bread fills the kitchen as it bakes in your oven for about 50 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Once done, let it cool completely before slicing. The result is a moist, dense loaf that's perfect for breakfast or tea time.

Ingredients

2 cups canned pumpkin
1 and ½ cups packed brown sugar
3 large eggs
2 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the canned pumpkin and brown sugar until well combined.
Add eggs one at a time to the mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract last.
Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg) into another bowl; set aside.
Gradually add sifted dry ingredients into wet mixture alternately with a bit of milk if necessary. Stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Pour the batter into a well-greased loaf pan measuring 9x5 inches or use parchment paper for non-stick effect.
Bake in preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean.
Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely within the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Nutritional Information

Pumpkin bread is rich in beta-carotene, which converts into vitamin A, promoting good vision. It also contains dietary fiber that aids digestion, keeping your digestive system healthy. A typical slice (about 1/8 of the loaf) provides about 30% of your daily recommended intake of fiber and 60% for vitamin A.

Storage Tips

If you have leftover pumpkin bread, it can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage or if you want to share with friends, consider freezing the slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed into freezer bags.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with this basic recipe by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans during mixing for extra crunch. You could also garnish each slice with powdered sugar before serving for a more decadent touch. Another fun twist is incorporating finely chopped apple or carrot into the batter, which enhances the flavor profile without altering the consistency significantly.

For those who prefer less sweetness but still enjoy pumpkin's natural taste, reducing the amount of brown sugar by half and adding a pinch of salt can be beneficial. Alternatively, replacing some of the flour with whole wheat pastry flour introduces more nutrients while slightly changing the texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pumpkin bread without eggs? Unfortunately, omitting eggs isn't feasible as they play a crucial role in binding ingredients together. However, you might explore flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water as a replacement.
Do I need to use fresh pumpkin for this recipe? Absolutely not! Canned pumpkin is readily available and works exceptionally well in baking due to its consistency and flavor. It provides the best results compared to using fresh pumpkins which vary greatly depending on ripeness.

Pumpkin bread remains a versatile option whether you're cooking for yourself or preparing treats for guests. Its rich flavor and wholesome qualities make it an ideal choice for any mealtime, especially during autumn months when pumpkin is abundant!