Applesauce Pumpkin Bread
A moist and flavorful pumpkin applesauce bread with warm spices, perfect for cozy mornings or holiday gatherings, appealing to pumpkin lovers and those seeking a sweet, spiced treat.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 2 2/3 cups sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup canned applesauce ⓘ
- 1 cup mashed pumpkin ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon mace ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 2/3 cup apple juice ⓘ
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Cream together the shortening and sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Stir in applesauce and pumpkin.
- Sift together the dry ingredients and add alternately with apple juice, mixing well.
- Stir in chopped nuts.
- Divide batter evenly into two greased 9x5x3-inch loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F for one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
To keep the bread moist, ensure that the shortening is well-creamed with the sugar. If you want to reduce sugar, consider using 2 cups of sugar and adding a bit more cinnamon for flavor. You can also substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist. For added depth, incorporate a splash of vanilla extract.
Serving Suggestions
This Applesauce Pumpkin Bread is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with cream cheese or butter for an extra treat. It pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced chai or coffee. For a cozy autumn breakfast, enjoy it alongside Family Dinner Rolls or a fresh fruit salad. You could also serve it as a dessert after a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread by wrapping it in plastic and placing it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Applesauce Pumpkin Bread contains roughly 442 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1215mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin, but you'll need to cook and puree it first. Make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid altering the bread's texture. One cup of cooked and pureed fresh pumpkin should work perfectly in this recipe.
What can I substitute for shortening?
You can substitute the shortening with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil for a richer flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, try using applesauce or a mashed ripe banana, but keep in mind that this may change the texture slightly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of this Applesauce Pumpkin Bread, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper structure. Also, check that all other ingredients, like baking powder and spices, are gluten-free.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).