Delicious Pumpkin Bread
Warm, moist, and flavorful, pumpkin bread combines the comforting aroma of spices with the natural sweetness of pumpkin. Perfect for fall gatherings or cozy mornings, its rich spices and optional pecans create a delightful treat for friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 3 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1 cup salad oil ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 2 cups cooked mashed pumpkin ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground allspice ⓘ
- 2/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine sugar, oil, and beaten eggs; beat until light and fluffy. Stir in pumpkin.
- Combine dry ingredients; stir into pumpkin mixture.
- Add water and chopped pecans (optional), mixing well.
- Spoon batter into 2 well-greased 9 1/4 x 5 1/4 x 2 3/4-inch loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 65 to 75 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar or adding a splash of vanilla extract. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or chocolate chips make excellent substitutes. Ensure your pumpkin is well-mashed to avoid lumps in the batter. If you prefer a spicier bread, feel free to increase the spices slightly or add a pinch of ginger.
Serving Suggestions
This pumpkin bread is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter. You can also serve it alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, consider drizzling it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. It makes a wonderful addition to a brunch spread or as part of a gift basket with other homemade treats like Quick Brownies.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delicious Pumpkin Bread contains roughly 739 calories, with 9g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (88% of the Daily Value), calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 986mg per serving (43% 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 make sure to properly cook and mash it until smooth. About 2 cups of cooked fresh pumpkin will yield the same amount needed for this recipe. Just be aware that the moisture content may vary, so adjust the water accordingly.
What can I substitute for the eggs?
You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana for a vegan option. Alternatively, 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water can also work as an egg substitute. Be sure to let the mixture sit for a few minutes to thicken.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
To check if the pumpkin bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it's ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on the bread to avoid overbaking.
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).