Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

Introduction:
Nothing says fall quite like the warm, cozy flavors of Pumpkin Spice Bread. This quick and easy recipe is packed with the rich flavors of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, making it the perfect treat to welcome the cooler weather. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as dessert, this pumpkin spice bread is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to making this seasonal favorite that your whole family will love!

this Recipe

What is Pumpkin Spice Bread?

Pumpkin Spice Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread made with canned pumpkin puree and a blend of spices that include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. It's often enjoyed during the fall and winter months when pumpkin-flavored everything is in demand. The result is a soft, tender loaf that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, tea, or a smear of butter or cream cheese.

Ingredients List for Pumpkin Spice Bread

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (for a sweeter twist)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (for extra tartness)

Substitutions and Variations

1. Oil Substitutes:
   You can use melted butter, coconut oil, or even applesauce in place of vegetable oil for different textures and flavors. Applesauce will make the bread slightly denser but healthier.
2. Sweetener Alternatives:
   Replace part or all of the sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Keep in mind that using liquid sweeteners might make the bread a bit more moist.
3. Add-ins:
   Customize your pumpkin bread by adding chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or chopped nuts. For extra decadence, swirl in some cream cheese filling or drizzle the finished loaf with a simple glaze.
4. Spices:
   If you don’t have individual spices on hand, use 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice instead of the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter and lightly dust with flour, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the bread dense.
2. If using add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries, fold them in at this stage.

Step 5: Bake the Pumpkin Spice Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
3. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
2. Carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making Pumpkin Spice Bread is as simple as mixing the wet and dry ingredients together and baking the batter in a loaf pan. The key to achieving a tender loaf is to avoid overmixing the batter once the dry and wet ingredients are combined. This ensures that the bread remains soft and fluffy. The pumpkin puree keeps the bread moist, while the blend of spices adds warmth and depth of flavor. Customize the bread with your favorite mix-ins, and you’ve got the perfect fall treat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter:
   Stir the dry and wet ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can cause the bread to become tough and dense.
2. Using Too Much Pumpkin Puree:
   Stick to the recipe’s measurement of pumpkin puree. Using too much can make the bread overly moist and heavy, affecting its structure.
3. Not Testing for Doneness:
   Ovens can vary, so always check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If the batter is still wet, continue baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Bread

Pumpkin Spice Bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. Slice it thick and serve with a smear of butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness. For breakfast or brunch, pair it with coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider. You can also serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Presentation Ideas for Pumpkin Spice Bread

• Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the cooled bread with powdered sugar.
• Top with Glaze: Drizzle a simple vanilla or cream cheese glaze over the top for added sweetness and a glossy finish.
• Holiday Décor: For a festive touch, top the loaf with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or extra nuts before baking.

Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Eggs:
  For a smoother batter and better rise, use eggs that are at room temperature. To quickly bring eggs to room temp, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes.
• Store for Longer Freshness:
  To keep the bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze the loaf (or individual slices) for up to 2 months.
• Don’t Skip the Cooling Step:
  Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Cutting into a warm loaf can cause it to crumble or become mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this bread into muffins?
   Absolutely! Divide the batter into a greased or lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
   Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s well-drained and not too watery. Fresh pumpkin puree can be more watery than canned, so strain it if necessary.
3. How do I store leftover pumpkin spice bread?
   Store the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It can also be refrigerated for up to a week or frozen for up to 2 months.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes! Use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend to replace the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Easy Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe is the ultimate fall comfort food, combining the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the rich, moist texture of pumpkin. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a festive dessert, this bread is simple to make and packed with cozy flavors. Customize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings, and share it with family and friends during the holiday season or whenever the craving strikes. Happy baking!

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