Spiced Pumpkin Bread
Spiced Pumpkin Bread offers warm seasonal flavors with cinnamon, cloves, raisins, and pecans, perfect for cozy gatherings or autumn treats.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 4 eggs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons molasses ⓘ
- 2/3 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 2 cups canned or cooked mashed pumpkin ⓘ
- 3 1/3 cups flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking powder ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 1 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
Instructions
- Beat butter at medium speed of mixer until smooth.
- Gradually add sugar; beat well until combined.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition.
- Stir in molasses, orange juice, and pumpkin until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture; mix until blended.
- Stir in vanilla, raisins, and chopped pecans.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of nutmeg or ginger to the spice mix. If you don't have pecans, walnuts or even sunflower seeds can be a great substitute. Make sure to use freshly grated orange zest for an added citrus boost. If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar by half a cup. It's perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or alongside Baked Lamb Chops.
Serving Suggestions
Spiced Pumpkin Bread is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with cream cheese or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve it as a breakfast treat or a delightful afternoon snack. Consider adding a side of fresh fruit or Cinnamon Wheels for a complete brunch spread. It also makes a lovely gift during the fall season.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pumpkin bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Pumpkin Bread contains roughly 482 calories, with 5g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (85% of the Daily Value), iron (50% of the Daily Value), and calcium (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1351mg per serving (59% 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! Make sure to roast and puree it until smooth. You'll need about 2 cups of fresh pumpkin puree. Just ensure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
What can I use instead of eggs?
To make this recipe egg-free, use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for each egg. These substitutes will help bind the ingredients together while keeping the bread moist.
How can I make this bread healthier?
For a healthier version, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly. You can also replace some of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt for added moisture without the extra fat.
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).