Grandma Reed'S Holiday Pumpkin Bread
A moist, spiced pumpkin bread with warm cinnamon, cloves, and optional nuts and raisins, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy autumn mornings.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 2/3 cup shortening ⓘ
- 2 2/3 cups sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin (fresh or canned) ⓘ
- 2/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins (optional) ⓘ
- 1 cup walnuts (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sift together flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and baking powder; set aside.
- Cream together shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then mix in water.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, mixing well.
- Stir in pumpkin, raisins (if using), and walnuts (if using).
- Grease and flour 3 large or 6 small loaf pans.
- Pour batter into prepared pans.
- Bake for 65 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute half of the shortening with applesauce for a lighter version. If you don't have raisins or walnuts on hand, try adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries instead. This bread can be made ahead and freezes well, making it perfect for holiday gatherings. Pair it with a warm beverage like spiced tea or coffee.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Grandma Reed's Holiday Pumpkin Bread with a pat of butter or cream cheese for added richness. This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or a light salad drizzled with Blender Poppy Seed Dressing. It's also a delightful addition to a holiday brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm slices in the microwave or toast them lightly to bring back the bread's moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Reed'S Holiday Pumpkin Bread contains roughly 388 calories, with 8g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. It also contributes 18g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour in this recipe. This will give the bread a nuttier flavor and denser texture. However, be mindful that whole wheat flour absorbs more moisture, so you may need to adjust the liquid slightly.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free pumpkin bread, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. Check that all other ingredients, including baking powder and baking soda, are gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still turn out delicious.
Can I add other spices to enhance the flavor?
Absolutely! You can experiment with spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or cardamom to customize the flavor of your pumpkin bread. Just be cautious with the amount, as you want the spices to complement the pumpkin without overpowering it. A pinch of nutmeg can add a lovely warmth.
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).