Ma Bea'S Pumpkin Bread
A moist, spiced pumpkin bread with warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy mornings with a cup of coffee.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the liquid ingredients together: sugar, salad oil, and eggs.
- Add the pumpkin to the mixture and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Optional: fold in chopped nuts, chopped dates, or raisins if desired.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan or divide among three smaller loaf pans.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before removing from the pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar; it adds moisture and depth. If you don’t have salad oil, melted coconut oil or unsalted butter can work as substitutes. Also, feel free to add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. For a spicier kick, increase the ginger and cloves slightly. This recipe can also be adapted for a muffin format by reducing the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
This pumpkin bread is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese or butter spread on top. For an extra treat, serve it alongside a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee. You can also enjoy it as part of a brunch spread with other American recipes like Best Banana Muffins or Cloud-Topped Peanut Butter Fudge for a sweet assortment.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover pumpkin bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ma Bea'S Pumpkin Bread contains roughly 546 calories, with 7g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (32% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 658mg per serving (29% 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 canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Yes, canned pumpkin is a great substitute for fresh pumpkin. Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree and not the spiced pumpkin pie filling. Canned pumpkin is convenient and ensures a consistent texture and flavor, making it an excellent choice for this bread.
How do I know when the pumpkin bread is done baking?
The pumpkin bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking at the 45-minute mark. If it requires more time, check every 5 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! You can fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruits like raisins or dates to add texture and flavor. Just be cautious not to overmix once you add them, as this can make the bread dense. Adding mix-ins can make each bite even more special!
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).