Pumpkin Tea Bread With Orange Cheese Spread
A moist pumpkin tea bread infused with warm spices, complemented by a tangy orange cheese spread—perfect for cozy mornings or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup whole wheat flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter ⓘ
- 1 cup light brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin ⓘ
- 1/4 cup milk ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (moderate).
- Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat the unsalted butter and light brown sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the cooked, mashed pumpkin and milk until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Serve slices with orange cheese spread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour in place of all-purpose flour. You can also replace the butter with applesauce for a healthier option. If you prefer a spicier flavor, feel free to increase the ground ginger or cinnamon. Make sure to measure the pumpkin correctly to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the bread's texture.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful pumpkin tea bread pairs beautifully with orange cheese spread, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Serve it as a snack or for breakfast alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. It also makes an excellent addition to any brunch spread, complementing dishes like Herbed Butter or even Chocolate Marshmallow Nut Fudge for a sweet touch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover pumpkin tea bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pumpkin Tea Bread With Orange Cheese Spread contains roughly 361 calories, with 7g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (75% of the Daily Value), iron (62% of the Daily Value), and calcium (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1280mg per serving (56% 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! Just cook and mash the pumpkin until smooth, ensuring it is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the bread. One medium pumpkin typically yields about 1 cup of mashed pumpkin, perfect for this recipe.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. This will add moisture to the bread and allow it to rise nicely while keeping it suitable for vegan diets.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
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).