Traditional Spiced Pumpkin Bread is the perfect way to embrace fall flavors with a delightful mix of warm spices and pumpkin goodness. This recipe is straightforward yet flavorful, making it a favorite among both seasoned and novice bakers. Let's dive into this cozy kitchen adventure!
All-purpose flour is the backbone of the bread, giving it structure. Baking soda and baking powder help the bread rise, ensuring a light texture. A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances other flavors. The trifecta of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds warmth and depth, while ginger brings a subtle zing. Granulated sugar and brown sugar provide sweetness and moisture, with brown sugar adding a hint of molasses flavor. Butter, when melted, contributes to the bread's rich taste and tender crumb. Eggs bind everything together, ensuring a smooth batter. Pumpkin puree is the star, adding both flavor and moisture. Vanilla extract enhances the overall aroma, and a splash of milk keeps the batter just the right consistency.
This pumpkin bread pairs beautifully with a smear of cream cheese or a drizzle of honey. For a festive touch, serve with a side of spiced whipped cream. It’s also delicious toasted with a pat of butter for breakfast.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives it time to reach the perfect temperature while you prepare the batter. Grab a 9x5 inch loaf pan and give it a good greasing — this ensures that your bread will slide out smoothly later.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This helps distribute the spices evenly throughout the flour, so each bite is perfectly seasoned.
Next, in a larger bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until they are well combined and smooth. Once that's ready, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in your pumpkin puree and vanilla extract until the mixture is uniform.
Now, you'll want to gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Do this in parts, alternating with the milk. This helps keep the batter smooth and lump-free. Mix until just combined — overmixing can make the bread tough.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and let it bake for 60-70 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 allows it to set a bit more. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
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