Pumpkin Oatmeal Loaf
A hearty pumpkin oatmeal loaf packed with dried fruits and nuts, perfect for breakfast or snack, offering warm spices and wholesome flavors in every slice.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quick cooking oats
- 1 cup finely chopped dates ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups hot milk ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin ⓘ
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine oats, chopped dates, chopped raisins, chopped pecans, and hot milk in a bowl.
- Mix well and gradually stir the mixture into the oatmeal mixture.
- Spoon the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, consider substituting half of the hot milk with applesauce. If you want a nut-free version, you can omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds. To enhance flavor, try using maple syrup instead of sugar or adding a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Ensure the dates are finely chopped to distribute their sweetness evenly throughout the loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This loaf is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or snack. It also pairs beautifully with Acuff Steak House Banana Pudding for a sweet finish to your meal. For a more substantial breakfast, serve it alongside Greek yogurt and fresh fruit.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pumpkin oatmeal loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pumpkin Oatmeal Loaf contains roughly 1377 calories, with 19g protein, 251g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 762mg per serving (33% 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 rolled oats instead of quick cooking oats?
Yes, you can use rolled oats, but the texture of the loaf may be slightly different. Rolled oats will take longer to absorb the liquid, so consider adjusting the soaking time before mixing with other ingredients.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
To make this loaf egg-free, you can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. This will add moisture and help bind the ingredients together while keeping the loaf deliciously moist.
Can I add other fruits to the loaf?
Absolutely! You can add cranberries, chopped apples, or even shredded carrots to enhance the flavor and texture. Just be cautious about the moisture content, as adding too much fruit may require adjusting the dry ingredients.
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).