Welcome to cozy autumn flavors with this Spiced Pumpkin Bread! It's a delightful loaf packed with warm spices and topped with a sweet maple drizzle. Perfect for a fall breakfast or afternoon snack, this bread captures the essence of the season in every bite.
All-purpose flour provides the structure in your bread, creating a base that supports the other ingredients. Baking soda and baking powder ensure your bread rises nicely, giving it a light texture. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring warmth and depth. Unsalted butter, when creamed with sugar, creates a fluffy foundation. Granulated sugar sweetens the bread just right, and eggs bind everything together. Pumpkin puree not only adds moisture but also that quintessential fall flavor. Buttermilk contributes a slight tanginess, enhancing the taste. Vanilla extract adds a familiar, comforting aroma. Chopped walnuts are optional but provide a delightful crunch. For the drizzle, powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk combine to create a sweet topping that complements the spiced bread beautifully.
This spiced pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For breakfast, enjoy it with a spread of cream cheese or butter. A hot cup of chai or spiced tea complements the flavors wonderfully, making for a perfect cozy snack.
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease up a 9x5-inch loaf pan. This will get your pan ready for the batter and ensure your bread doesn’t stick. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These spices are what's going to give your bread its warm, cozy flavor.
Next, in a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes and is key for a nice texture in your bread. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the pumpkin puree, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Your wet mixture should be smooth and have a lovely orange color from the pumpkin.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so be gentle. If you're adding walnuts, now's the time to fold them in. They add a nice crunch, but if you’re not a fan, feel free to leave them out.
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it's ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While your bread cools, make the maple drizzle by whisking together powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk in a small bowl until smooth. Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle it over the top, and you're ready to serve!