Classic Pumpkin Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 5 min
🍽 Serves: 10
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This Classic Pumpkin Bread is a delightful treat that brings a warm, cozy feeling to any day. It's perfect for fall, but truly enjoyable year-round. The spices and pumpkin puree create a moist, flavorful loaf that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients for Classic Pumpkin Bread

Flour is the base that gives the bread its structure. We use all-purpose for a balanced texture. Granulated sugar and brown sugar bring sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar adding a hint of caramel flavor. Baking soda and a touch of baking powder help the bread rise just enough. Salt enhances all the flavors, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves lend that classic pumpkin spice aroma. Eggs bind everything together, and vegetable oil keeps the texture tender. Water helps with moisture, and pumpkin puree is the star ingredient, giving the bread its distinctive flavor and color. Finally, a dash of vanilla extract ties all the flavors together beautifully.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and rising.
  • If you don’t have all the spices, pumpkin pie spice can be a great substitute.
  • Try lining your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the bread moist.

Serving Suggestions

This pumpkin bread pairs wonderfully with a smear of cream cheese or a pat of butter. Try serving it with a side of yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast. A cup of chai tea or spiced latte also complements the flavors perfectly, especially on a crisp autumn morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, just make sure to puree it well and drain any excess liquid to match the consistency of canned pumpkin.
How do I store the bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for a week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! Fold in about 1/2 cup of your choice of add-ins just before pouring the batter into the pan.

Classic Pumpkin Bread Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your oven preheating to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan. You don't want to skip this step, as it ensures your bread releases easily after baking. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, both sugars, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking powder. Make sure everything is well combined to avoid any pockets of spice or leavening.

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Then, add the vegetable oil, water, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract. Stir until you have a smooth mixture. This is your wet ingredients bowl, and it’s where the magic starts to happen.

Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until everything is just combined. Be mindful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough. You want a slightly lumpy batter.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 60-65 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly moist texture without being too dense.
  • Aromatic spices make your kitchen smell heavenly.
  • Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
  • Great as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 large eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup water
1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Add the vegetable oil, water, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
7. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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