Description
Delicious pumpkin bread with a richer flavor than store-bought, perfect for fall.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups (355g) pumpkin puree
- 2/3 cup (160ml) sunflower oil or any mild-flavored oil
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 21/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 21/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 21/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 11/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/41/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/41/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons (30g) pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 11/2 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1/21/2 teaspoon sunflower oil or any mild-flavored oil
Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Start by mixing the sugars, eggs, and pumpkin puree until smooth and well combined in a bowl. You will notice a beautiful golden hue as you stir—this is a sign of the flavors starting to meld. Be mindful not to overmix, as it can lead to a heavy texture.
- Stir in Dry Ingredients: Add in the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. You will get a lovely aroma wafting up as you blend everything together. This is key for that cozy fall flavor. Just make sure to fold gently so you do not overwork the batter.
- Add Pepitas: Gently fold in your pepitas to give the bread some crunch. They will add a nice texture, and the smell will make your kitchen feel inviting. Do not dump them in all at once—take your time so they are evenly distributed.
- Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grab a loaf pan and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. You will want to do this to help the bread come out easily. Forgetting this step could leave you with half the loaf stuck in the pan, and that is no fun!
- Pour in the Batter: Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. It should look luscious and ready to bake. If you see any bubbles, gently burst them with a toothpick to prevent any weird air pockets.
- Bake to Perfection: Slide the loaf pan into a preheated oven and bake at 350 degrees F until golden brown. Your kitchen will fill with that warm pumpkin aroma, which is always a treat. Do not be tempted to open the oven door too soon; it can affect how well the bread rises.
- Cool and Slice: Once baking is done, let the bread cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. You will want it to be completely cool before slicing, so it does not crumble. Resist the urge to slice while it is warm; otherwise, you could end up with a messy situation.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Expert Tips: If the bread turns out too dense, making sure to measure the flour by scooping and leveling can help keep it light and airy.
- When you notice the top browning too fast, loosely cover it with foil during the last 15 minutes to let the inside finish baking without burning.
- For consistent rising, checking that your baking powder and baking soda are not expired is essential; fresh ingredients make a big difference.
- If you want a touch of sweetness on top, sprinkling granulated sugar right before baking can add a lovely sugary crust without needing pepitas.
- For better moisture content, feel free to substitute half of the oil in the recipe with unsweetened applesauce for a friendly option that cuts down on fat.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, wrap slices in foil and place in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with butter or cream cheese. Pair with a cappuccino or chai latte. Top with vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce for a sweet treat.
- Recipe Variations: Add chocolate chips for a sweeter version. Incorporate nuts like pecans or walnuts. Substitute applesauce for half of the oil for a lower-fat option.
- Ingredient Notes: Use pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. For a simpler topping, use granulated sugar instead of pepitas. Make your own pumpkin pie spice using cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 311
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 257mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 41mg