Pumpkin-Pecan Loaf(With Eggnog Or Hot Tea)
A moist and flavorful pumpkin loaf with warm spices and crunchy pecans, perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy tea time. Delicious served with eggnog or hot tea.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 2 2/3 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup (1/4 lb.) firm butter or margarine ⓘ
- 4 eggs
- 2/3 cup solid vegetable shortening ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can pumpkin ⓘ
- 2/3 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (or 325°F for a glass pan).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
- In another bowl, cream together the butter or margarine and solid vegetable shortening.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the pumpkin and water until well blended.
- Stir in ground cardamom (if using), raisins, and chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using 1 cup of applesauce instead of some of the sugar. You can also swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor. If you don't have pecans, walnuts work well as a substitute. Be sure to check for doneness a few minutes early, as oven temperatures can vary.
Serving Suggestions
This Pumpkin-Pecan Loaf is delightful warm or at room temperature. Serve it with a side of eggnog for a festive touch or pair it with hot tea for a cozy afternoon snack. You can also enjoy it alongside dishes like 24 Hour Party Salad for a balanced meal or as a sweet ending to a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Pumpkin-Pecan Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pumpkin-Pecan Loaf(With Eggnog Or Hot Tea) contains roughly 406 calories, with 4g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1201mg per serving (52% 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 make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce to make a vegan version. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken, or use 1/4 cup of applesauce as a replacement.
How can I enhance the flavor of the loaf?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a splash of maple syrup. You can also experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger to give it a warm, aromatic profile that complements the pumpkin.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
To make this Pumpkin-Pecan Loaf gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose and whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the baking powder and baking soda are also gluten-free. This modification will allow you to enjoy the loaf without gluten while maintaining its delicious flavor.
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).