Pumpkin Cranberry Nut Bread
A moist and flavorful pumpkin bread with cranberries and nuts, perfect for autumn. Its warm spices and fruity accents make it a delightful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons grated orange rind
- 3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 3 eggs
- 1 (16 oz) can solid pack pumpkin ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped walnuts ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped cranberries ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and grated orange rind; set aside.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Alternately add pumpkin and dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
- Stir in chopped walnuts and cranberries.
- Pour batter into two lightly greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pans.
- Bake for 60 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If desired, drizzle with icing made by mixing cream or milk into confectioners' sugar until slightly runny.
- Garnish with walnut halves and cranberries before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider substituting half of the sugar with brown sugar for added flavor. You can also replace walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version. To enhance the flavors, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice. Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier creaming and a lighter texture in the bread.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack, paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Consider serving it with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for added richness. It also pairs beautifully with Estelle'S Chocolate Pie for a sweet finish at a gathering. Garnish with extra walnut halves and cranberries for an appealing presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pumpkin Cranberry Nut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pumpkin Cranberry Nut Bread contains roughly 445 calories, with 7g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (62% of the Daily Value), calcium (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 645mg per serving (28% 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! Roast and puree it before measuring to ensure you have the right consistency. Generally, 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fresh pumpkin puree will work, depending on the size of the pumpkin. Make sure it's well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. This will help maintain the structure and texture of the bread. Additionally, check that all other ingredients, especially the baking powder and baking soda, are gluten-free to ensure the entire recipe meets your dietary needs.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking time, as ovens can vary. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent burning while the inside finishes baking.
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).