Pumpkin bread is a classic fall recipe that is easy to make and absolutely delicious. It is a quick bread, meaning that it is leavened without yeast and it can be made with just a few ingredients. The basic ingredients are pumpkin puree, flour, sugar, eggs, butter and spices. Pumpkin bread is great for breakfast, snacks, or as a dessert. The flavor of pumpkin bread is subtly sweet, flavorful, and perfect for the fall and winter months.
When making pumpkin bread, it is important to use pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie mix. The difference is that pumpkin puree contains only pumpkin, while pumpkin pie mix contains spices, sweeteners, and other ingredients. If you are feeling adventurous, you can make your own pumpkin puree from fresh pumpkin.
To make a delicious classic pumpkin bread, start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a 9x5 inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of pumpkin puree, 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 2 large eggs, and ¾ cup of light brown sugar. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
If you are looking for something a little different, why not try adding some fun mix-ins to your pumpkin bread? Some fun ideas include chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit, or even pumpkin seeds. You can also experiment with different spices such as allspice, cardamom, or ginger. No matter what you choose, your pumpkin bread will be delicious. So why not get creative and try something new?