Pumpkin Dessert Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Pumpkin Dessert Bread is a moist, flavorful treat blending the warm spices of cinnamon with the natural sweetness of pumpkin. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dessert, it boasts a tender crumb and optional nuts for added texture, making it a delightful choice for pumpkin lovers and bread enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 teaspoon soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups pumpkin
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups cooking oil
  • 1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make a well in the center, then add all of the other ingredients.
  3. Mix until well combined.
  4. Pour batter into two greased and floured loaf pans.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  6. Allow to cool before removing from pans and serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you’re out of eggs, unsweetened applesauce or flaxseed meal can serve as a great substitute. Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can enhance the flavor profile. Consider mixing in chocolate chips or dried cranberries for a unique twist, similar to how you might customize Old Lady Cake.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack, and it pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese frosting or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Serve alongside a hot beverage, like chai tea or coffee, for a cozy treat. For dessert, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast, reminiscent of Deep Dish Apple Pie.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Pumpkin Dessert Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm slices in a toaster or microwave for a few seconds until heated through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Pumpkin Dessert Bread contains roughly 979 calories, with 10g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 69g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 978mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).

979 kcal 49% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 10.5g 21% DV
Total Fat 68.7g 88% DV
Carbs 84.9g 31% DV
Fiber 6.7g 24% DV
Sugar 1.6g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 977.9mg 43% DV
Potassium 547.6mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 1.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 293.2mcg 33% DV
Vitamin C 34.3mg 38% DV
Calcium 54.7mg 4% DV
Iron 4.2mg 23% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten

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! Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. You'll need about 2 cups of cooked pumpkin, which may require 1 medium-sized pumpkin. Ensure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

What types of nuts work best in this recipe?

Walnuts and pecans are popular choices for adding a nice crunch and flavor to the Pumpkin Dessert Bread. If you prefer, you could also use chocolate chips or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free version, making it suitable for more dietary preferences.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, or add it separately to help with the structure of the bread. Your results may vary slightly in texture, but it should still be delicious.

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).

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