Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread

This Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread is a cozy, comforting treat filled with warm spices, a rich pumpkin flavor, and a soft, tender crumb. Perfect for fall or anytime you need a slice of something sweet, this bread is moist and full of classic pumpkin bread flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy pumpkin and spices in a simple, homemade loaf!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Fall Flavors – Spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Moist and Tender – A soft crumb that stays fresh for days.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and steps for a quick and delicious treat.
• Perfect for Gifting – A wonderful homemade gift for friends and family.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• ½ cup raisins (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Loaf pan (9×5 inches)
• Electric mixer or whisk (optional)
• Parchment paper (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a hand mixer or whisk.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, sugar, vegetable oil, water, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix to avoid a dense bread.

Step 5: Add Mix-ins (Optional)

1. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts and/or raisins.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
2. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too much, cover the bread loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and serve! Enjoy as a breakfast, snack, or dessert.

What to Serve with Pumpkin Bread

• Butter – A smear of butter on a warm slice is perfect.
• Cream Cheese – For an extra indulgent topping.
• Hot Coffee or Tea – A perfect pairing for a cozy treat.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overmix: Stir until just combined to keep the bread tender.
• Use Canned Pumpkin Puree: Make sure to use plain pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
• Add Spices to Taste: You can adjust the spices according to your preferences, adding more cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Keep the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the microwave or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes! If using fresh pumpkin, make sure to cook and puree it before using it in this recipe.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check for any adjustments needed based on the blend you use.

Can I add chocolate chips to the bread?
Definitely! Add about ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60–70 minutes
Cuisine: American (Fall)

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, based on 10 servings):
Calories: 250 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 36g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 230mg

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