Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 10 min
🍽 Serves: 10
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This Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Bread is the perfect way to embrace the cozy, warm flavors of fall. It's packed with aromatic spices and crunchy walnuts, making it a delightful treat that's easy to whip up any time of year.

Ingredients for Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Bread

All-purpose flour provides the structure for the bread, giving it the perfect crumb. Granulated sugar and light brown sugar add sweetness and a hint of molasses for depth. The baking soda works with the acidic ingredients to help the bread rise. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring that classic pumpkin spice warmth. Unsalted butter adds richness and keeps the bread moist. Pumpkin puree gives the bread its signature flavor and moisture. Eggs help bind everything together, while vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. Milk softens the batter, and chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you find your nuts sinking to the bottom, toss them in a little bit of flour before folding them into the batter.
  • For a more intense pumpkin flavor, roast your own pumpkin instead of using canned puree.
  • Use room temperature eggs for better mixing and a fluffier texture.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is wonderful on its own, but try it with a smear of cream cheese or a drizzle of maple syrup for an extra treat. It's also great warmed up with a pat of butter. For a more indulgent experience, serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour for a portion of the all-purpose flour, but it may result in a denser bread.
How should I store this bread?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chocolate chips would be a delicious addition. Just fold them in with the walnuts.

Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Bread Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9x5-inch loaf pan and grease it well. This will help your bread slide out easily later on. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, both sugars, baking soda, salt, and all those wonderful spices - cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the bread.

In a separate bowl, mix together your wet ingredients. Start with the melted butter—make sure it's not too hot—and combine it with the pumpkin puree. Crack in the eggs, add the vanilla extract, and pour in the milk. Whisk until everything is smooth and well combined, without any streaks of egg left.

Now, pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredient bowl. Stir gently until just combined. You don't want to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly okay. Gently fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they're evenly distributed without breaking them too much.

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a warm, inviting flavor.
  • Moist and tender texture with a satisfying crunch from the walnuts.
  • Simple to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
  • Versatile enough to enjoy as breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup pumpkin puree
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup milk
1 cup chopped walnuts

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In another bowl, mix the melted butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped walnuts gently.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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