Spicy Pumpkin Bread(Makes 2 Loaves)
Spicy pumpkin bread offers moist, flavorful loaves with warm spices and nuts, perfect for autumn gatherings, breakfast, or a cozy snack with a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar together; add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Mix in pumpkin and water until combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
- Stir dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture until just blended.
- Fold in chopped nuts.
- Pour batter evenly into two greased and floured bread pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute the nuts with chocolate chips or dried fruits for a different twist. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender. If you want a lower-fat option, use applesauce in place of some of the butter.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Pumpkin Bread is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a pat of butter or cream cheese spread. It makes a fantastic breakfast item or snack alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a fun dessert, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside Rocky Road Fudge Bars for a delicious treat.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover pumpkin bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm it in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Pumpkin Bread(Makes 2 Loaves) contains roughly 258 calories, with 5g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (66% of the Daily Value), iron (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1076mg per serving (47% 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, but you'll need to cook and puree it first. One medium pumpkin typically yields about 1 cup of puree. Just make sure it's well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which can affect the texture of the bread.
What can I substitute for the eggs?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg. Alternatively, flaxseed meal is a great option: mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit for a few minutes, and then add to the batter. This works well for vegetarian recipes too.
How can I make this bread less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness of the bread, consider cutting the sugar by 1/2 cup. You can also add a bit of unsweetened cocoa powder if you enjoy a chocolate flavor. Additionally, pairing the bread with a tangy spread like cream cheese can balance the sweetness beautifully.
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).