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in parchment paper and tie it with a ribbon—your friends and family will appreciate the delicious, personal touch.
The Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or chocolate chips for added texture
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal once baked.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are well-combined and evenly distributed.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add in the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and pumpkin puree. Mix well until the batter is smooth and everything is combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bread. If you’d like to add any optional ingredients, like nuts or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the batter at this point.
Step 4: Bake the Pumpkin Bread
- Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake for about 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes—if the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
- Once baked, remove the pumpkin bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy! This bread is delicious served on its own, with a smear of butter, or even with a little cream cheese spread for extra indulgence.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Bread
- Use Real Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor and texture, make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not the canned pumpkin pie filling. The filling contains spices and added sugar, which can throw off the balance of flavors in your bread.
- Don’t Overmix: It’s tempting to mix the batter thoroughly, but overmixing can lead to dense bread. Stir the ingredients until they’re just combined to keep the bread light and airy.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so be sure to check your bread with a toothpick or cake tester. If it comes out clean, your pumpkin bread is ready to be removed from the oven.
- Storage: Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before storing it in a freezer bag.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with your pumpkin bread by adding things like chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or shredded coconut to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
Why This is the Best Pumpkin Bread Recipe
This Pumpkin Bread Recipe is simply the best because it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spiced, with a texture that’s wonderfully moist and tender. The generous amount of pumpkin puree ensures a rich flavor, while the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring that familiar cozy, fall warmth. Plus, with its easy preparation and minimal ingredients, this recipe is accessible to bakers of all levels.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a treat on a crisp fall morning or serving it at a holiday gathering, this pumpkin bread will never disappoint. With just the right amount of sweetness, spice, and moisture, it’s the quintessential fall recipe you’ll come back to year after year.
Conclusion
There’s nothing quite like the taste and aroma of freshly baked Pumpkin Bread. It’s a comforting, flavorful treat that captures the essence of fall in every bite. This recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen for years to come.
So, preheat your oven, gather the ingredients, and bake up a loaf (or two) of this amazing pumpkin bread. It’s a treat that will warm your heart and home, no matter the season. Enjoy!