Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

Are you craving a delicious and easy-to-make fall treat? Look no further! This easy pumpkin spice bread recipe is perfect for cozy mornings, family gatherings, or just satisfying your pumpkin cravings. Packed with warm spices and rich pumpkin flavor, this moist and tender bread will become your new autumn go-to. Read on for the full recipe, tips, variations, and more. Get ready to bake the best pumpkin spice bread you’ve ever had!

What Is Pumpkin Spice Bread?

Pumpkin spice bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread made with canned pumpkin puree and a blend of warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. It's a quintessential fall recipe that pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea. Unlike yeast-based breads, quick breads are leavened with baking soda or baking powder, making them incredibly easy to whip up in a short amount of time.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Spice Bread

To make this easy pumpkin spice bread recipe, you’ll need the following basic ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup milk (or any dairy-free alternative like almond milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients (Optional)

If you want to take your pumpkin spice bread to the next level, here are some optional add-ins you can try:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch
• ½ cup chocolate chips for extra indulgence
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries for a bit of sweetness and texture
• Pumpkin seeds to sprinkle on top for added crunch and decoration

Substitutions and Variations

Don't have all the ingredients on hand or looking for ways to modify this recipe? No worries! Here are some common substitutions and variations to consider:

• Flour: You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture.
• Sugar: Swap out the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
• Oil: If you prefer, you can use melted coconut oil or melted butter in place of vegetable oil.
• Milk: Use any plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or soy milk, to make the recipe dairy-free.
• Gluten-free option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste. For a bolder flavor, add a pinch of cardamom or allspice.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a perfect loaf of pumpkin spice bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves until well combined.
3. Prepare the wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense bread.
5. Optional add-ins: If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit, fold them into the batter at this stage.
6. Pour into the loaf pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle pumpkin seeds or additional nuts on top for extra texture and visual appeal.
7. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Cook Pumpkin Spice Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking pumpkin spice bread is as simple as mixing dry and wet ingredients, combining them, and baking to perfection. The key is not to overmix the batter, as this can cause the bread to be dense instead of light and fluffy. By following the steps above, you’ll be rewarded with a moist, flavorful loaf that embodies the essence of fall. Be patient when cooling the bread — it will slice more cleanly once it's fully cooled.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is quite simple, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here's how to avoid them:

1. Overmixing the batter: This can lead to dense, tough bread. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
2. Using pumpkin pie filling instead of puree: Pumpkin pie filling contains added sugar and spices, which will throw off the flavor and texture of your bread.
3. Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your bread dry. Use the spoon-and-level method, where you spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
4. Opening the oven door too early: Doing so can cause the bread to deflate. Wait until the final 5 minutes of baking to check if it's done.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Pumpkin spice bread is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some tips for serving and presenting your loaf:

1. Serve warm with butter: A slice of pumpkin spice bread is even better with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread on top.
2. Make it a dessert: Serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for a sweet after-dinner treat.
3. Pair with a fall beverage: Enjoy it with a cup of hot cider, coffee, or tea to complete the fall experience.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread

You can serve pumpkin spice bread for breakfast, brunch, as an afternoon snack, or even dessert. It’s also perfect for holiday gatherings or as a gift for neighbors and friends. Slice it thick or thin depending on the occasion, and don’t be shy about serving it with some fall-inspired spreads like cinnamon butter or maple cream cheese.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread

Presentation can elevate your pumpkin spice bread, making it look as good as it tastes. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve on a rustic wooden board with a side of butter or spreads.
• Garnish with cinnamon sticks and star anise to enhance the autumn vibe.
• Wrap individual slices in parchment paper for a grab-and-go treat at brunch or breakfast parties.
• Dust with powdered sugar or cinnamon for a decorative finish.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you perfect your pumpkin spice bread:

• Use fresh spices: Ground spices lose their potency over time. Make sure your spices are fresh for the best flavor.
• Check for doneness: If your loaf is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.
• Store properly: Store leftover pumpkin spice bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well — just wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned? Yes! To use fresh pumpkin, roast or steam the pumpkin until tender, then mash or puree it until smooth. Use the same amount as the canned puree.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it's a 1:1 replacement for the best results.

3. How long does pumpkin spice bread last? Pumpkin spice bread lasts up to 3 days at room temperature, up to 1 week in the fridge, or up to 3 months in the freezer.

4. Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! You can double the recipe and bake in two loaf pans. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

5. How can I make my pumpkin spice bread extra moist? The key to a moist loaf is not overbaking and ensuring the balance of wet ingredients, like pumpkin puree, eggs, and oil, is just right.

Conclusion

This easy pumpkin spice bread recipe is a perfect way to celebrate fall with its rich pumpkin flavor and warm spices. Whether you enjoy it as a morning treat or a cozy snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don't forget to experiment with variations and add-ins to make it your own. Happy baking!

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