Monastery Pumpkin Bread
Moist, flavorful pumpkin bread with warm spices and crunchy walnuts, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy mornings, offering a delightful blend of sweet and spiced notes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- In a bowl, mix together sifted flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Break eggs into the mixture and stir well.
- Add vegetable oil and water, mixing until all ingredients are combined.
- Stir in canned pumpkin until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour batter into two greased loaf pans (approximately 10 1/4 x 3 5/8 x 2 5/8 inches).
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top of each loaf.
- Bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and turn out onto a rack to cool before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using applesauce as a partial substitute for the vegetable oil. You can also swap half of the sugar for a sugar substitute to reduce calories. Ensure that the flour is well sifted for a fluffy texture. If you prefer, add spices like ginger or cloves for a unique twist. For a nut-free option, omit the walnuts or replace them with pumpkin seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Monastery Pumpkin Bread is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese or butter spread. For a cozy breakfast, serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. You can also enjoy it as a side with a warm bowl of soup, such as Wiener Chowder, for a comforting meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the pumpkin bread to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Monastery Pumpkin Bread contains roughly 787 calories, with 11g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1110mg per serving (48% 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 it requires extra steps. Cook and puree the pumpkin until smooth, and measure out 2 cups. Keep in mind that fresh pumpkin may have a different moisture content, so adjust the water in the recipe as needed.
How can I tell 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 there’s wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically.
Can I freeze the pumpkin bread?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
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).