Pumpkin bread is a beloved fall staple, and this recipe for the World’s Best Pumpkin Bread takes it to the next level. Packed with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger, this moist and flavorful bread is perfect for chilly autumn mornings or as a comforting snack with a cup of tea. Easy to bake and absolutely irresistible, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your household.
Ingredients:
3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2/3 cup water
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans to prevent sticking.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the water and pumpkin puree until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
Bake the Bread: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean. The tops should be golden brown and the kitchen filled with the comforting aroma of spices.
Cool the Bread: Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures the bread sets properly and is easy to slice.
Serving Tips:
Warm and Toasted: Serve slices of pumpkin bread warm or toasted with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra indulgent treat. Warming the bread enhances its flavors and makes it even more comforting.
With Cream Cheese Spread: Pair your pumpkin bread with a generous spread of cream cheese, plain or flavored with a touch of maple syrup or cinnamon, for a rich and tangy contrast to the sweet and spiced bread.
Breakfast or Snack: Enjoy pumpkin bread as part of a cozy breakfast, paired with a cup of coffee or tea. It also makes for a great afternoon snack or a quick, on-the-go bite.
Dessert Option: For a dessert twist, serve the pumpkin bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.
Holiday Brunch: Pumpkin bread is perfect for a holiday brunch spread. Serve it alongside other seasonal favorites like spiced lattes, apple cider, or a fruit platter for a festive touch.
Storage Tips:
Room Temperature Storage: Once the pumpkin bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will keep the bread moist and prevent it from drying out.
Refrigeration: If you live in a warmer climate or want to extend the bread’s freshness, you can store it in the refrigerator. Wrap the bread in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to a week. Be sure to bring the slices to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: To freeze pumpkin bread, wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label the package with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, you can warm the slices in the microwave or toaster.
Portioning: If you prefer to enjoy the bread in smaller portions, consider slicing the loaf before freezing. This way, you can easily take out individual slices as needed, without having to thaw the entire loaf.
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FAQs:
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. To make fresh pumpkin puree, start by roasting or steaming a small sugar pumpkin until tender, then blend the cooked pumpkin in a food processor until smooth. Make sure to drain any excess moisture before using it in the recipe to ensure the bread’s texture remains moist and not overly dense.
How can I make this pumpkin bread gluten-free?
To make this pumpkin bread gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is designed for baking. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, which helps provide structure and texture similar to regular flour. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same, and you should achieve a delicious gluten-free version of the bread.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding nuts or chocolate chips is a great way to customize the pumpkin bread. Fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pans. This will add extra texture and flavor, making the bread even more enjoyable.
How do I know when the pumpkin bread is fully baked?
To check if the pumpkin bread is fully baked, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, continue baking the bread, checking every 5 minutes until it’s fully baked. The top should also be golden brown, and the edges should start to pull away from the sides of the pan.
Conclusion:
This World’s Best Pumpkin Bread is a must-try for anyone who loves the cozy flavors of fall. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a snack, or even a dessert, its rich, moist texture and perfect spice blend will leave you craving more. Bake a loaf (or two) today and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked pumpkin bread.
📖 Recipe:
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World’s Best Pumpkin Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 slices (2 loaves)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This World’s Best Pumpkin Bread recipe is a must-try for fall! Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this moist and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Easy to make and absolutely irresistible, it’s the ultimate autumn treat.
Ingredients
3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 large eggs
2/3 cup water
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9×5-inch loaf pans.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and vegetable oil. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the water and pumpkin puree until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the pumpkin bread to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
For added texture, you can fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts or chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
To ensure the bread is fully baked, check it at the 60-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Bread, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24 slices (2 loaves)
- Calories: 280 kcal per serving
