Fall is the perfect time for comfort food, and nothing beats my Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Bread. This easy recipe combines warm spices with the rich flavor of pumpkin and crunchy walnuts. You’ll love how simple it is to make and how great it tastes! Whether you want a cozy treat for yourself or a gift for friends, this bread will be a hit. Let’s dive into the tasty details!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Bread
For the spiced pumpkin walnut bread, gather these ingredients:
– 1 cup pure pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
– 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
– 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and lightly toasted
Common Ingredient Substitutions
You can easily swap some ingredients if needed:
– Use applesauce instead of oil for a lighter bread.
– Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different flavor.
– If you lack eggs, use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binding agent.
– Almond flour or oat flour can work in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
Nutritional Information Overview
This bread offers a nice mix of nutrients. Each slice has:
– About 200 calories.
– Healthy fats from walnuts.
– Fiber from pumpkin and walnuts.
– Protein from eggs and walnuts.
This bread is a treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack. Enjoy it fresh!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Pan
First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While that heats up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Grease it with cooking spray or butter. This keeps the bread from sticking. Place the pan aside for later use.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Whisk these together until smooth. You want a nice, creamy texture. Then, add in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each one. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Preparing the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, measure out 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Add in 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and the spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon each of ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and ground cloves. Finish with 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
Combining Mixtures and Adding Walnuts
Now, gently add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon. Stop mixing when no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can make the bread tough. Next, fold in 1 cup of roughly chopped, lightly toasted walnuts. This adds a nice crunch and flavor to each bite.
Baking and Cooling the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once done, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Moist Bread
To keep your spiced pumpkin walnut bread moist, start with fresh pumpkin puree. You can use canned or homemade. Adding oil helps too. I like vegetable oil or melted coconut oil. Both keep the bread soft. Don’t skip the eggs; they add moisture and richness. Let the bread cool completely before slicing. This allows the steam to settle, keeping your bread tender.
How to Avoid Overmixing
Mix your batter gently. Overmixing can make the bread tough. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until you no longer see flour. Use a spatula or wooden spoon for the best results. When you fold in the walnuts, be gentle. This keeps your bread light and fluffy.
Enhancing Flavor with Add-Ins
Want to boost the flavor? Try adding chocolate chips or raisins. Both mix well with pumpkin and spices. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to enhance sweetness. For a twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest. This brightens the flavors and gives your bread a fresh taste.
Variations
Vegan Alternatives for Ingredients
You can easily make this bread vegan. Replace the eggs with flax eggs. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Instead of vegetable oil, use melted coconut oil or a neutral oil. You can also use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a tasty twist.
Flavor Variations (e.g., Chocolate Chip, Raisins)
You can add fun flavors to your bread. Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet touch. If you like dried fruit, try adding 1 cup of raisins. Both options add a delicious contrast to the spiced pumpkin base. You can also swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different crunch.
Gluten-Free Options
If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for proper texture. You can also add a bit of almond flour for extra moisture. Just follow the same steps in the recipe. Your gluten-free bread will be just as tasty!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftover Bread
Store leftover spiced pumpkin walnut bread in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it for about a week. Make sure it cools completely before storing. This helps prevent sogginess.
Freezing Tips for Spiced Pumpkin Walnut Bread
To freeze the bread, first, slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag or airtight container. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, just thaw at room temperature.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your bread, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat each slice for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy your bread warm for the best taste!
FAQs
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin. Just cook and puree it first. The taste will be fresh and bright. Make sure to remove excess water by draining the puree. This helps keep your bread moist without being soggy.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
To check if the bread is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter, bake it a bit longer. The top should also look golden brown.
What can I serve with pumpkin walnut bread?
Pumpkin walnut bread is great on its own. You can serve it with cream cheese or butter. It also pairs well with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a fun twist, add honey or jam for extra flavor.
How long does this bread last?
This bread lasts about 3-5 days at room temperature. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want it to last longer, freeze it. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months.
You now have a complete guide for making spiced pumpkin walnut bread. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for success, variations for different diets, and storage info. Remember, your options for add-ins and substitutions make this recipe flexible and fun. Enjoy experimenting and making it your own. With these tools, you’re ready to bake a delicious loaf that everyone will love. Happy baking and savor every slice!
