This Sweet Pumpkin Spice Bread is a cozy treat, perfect for fall! With warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg mixed into a moist pumpkin batter, it fills your home with yummy scents.
Every slice feels like a hug! I love enjoying it fresh from the oven with a bit of butter. It’s a great way to brighten up any chilly day. Plus, who doesn’t love pumpkin spice? 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! Use canned pumpkin for convenience, or make your own by roasting fresh pumpkin. If you’re looking for a twist, try using mashed sweet potato instead.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger create that cozy flavor. If you don’t have one, you can use pumpkin pie spice as a substitute; it contains all these spices combined!
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for a classic texture. If you want a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, but be sure to check for xanthan gum in the blend.
Sugars: Both granulated and brown sugar add sweetness and moisture. You can use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute if you’re trying to reduce sugar intake, just adjust to taste!
Chocolate Chips: I love adding chocolate chips for a sweet surprise. If you prefer a different flavor or want to skip them entirely, chopped nuts or dried cranberries can be great alternatives!
How Do I Get the Perfect Texture for My Bread?
Achieving a moist and fluffy pumpkin bread is all about mixing the ingredients properly and baking at the right temperature.
- When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the bread tough.
- Make sure to measure your flour accurately; too much flour can dry out the bread.
- Check your bread a few minutes before the expected bake time. Oven temperatures can vary, so use a toothpick to test doneness. If it comes out clean, it’s ready!
By paying attention to these details, you’ll have a delicious pumpkin bread that is sure to impress!
Sweet Pumpkin Spice Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pumpkin spice bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55-65 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for another 15 minutes before slicing. In total, plan for around 1 hour and 30 minutes before you can dive into a slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, take some time to grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This will help prevent your bread from sticking when it’s all done baking. A little non-stick spray can help too!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and all your spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Whisk them together until everything is evenly mixed and there are no lumps. This way, your spices will be well distributed throughout the bread.
3. Make the Pumpkin Mixture:
In a larger bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Stir everything together until it’s nice and smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract to add a lovely flavor!
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mix to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—don’t over-mix! This keeps your bread fluffy.
5. Add The Chocolate Chips:
Fold in the chocolate chips carefully. They’re like little nuggets of happiness in every slice!
6. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Pop it into the oven to bake for 55-65 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
7. Cool & Serve:
Once it’s done baking, let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When you’re ready, slice it up and enjoy! It’s delightful on its own or with a bit of butter spread on top.
Store any leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, but I doubt it will last that long because it’s so delicious!
Enjoy your moist, warmly spiced pumpkin bread with chocolate chips that add a delightful touch to every bite!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you’re using fresh pumpkin, cook and puree it until smooth. About 1 medium-sized pumpkin will yield around 1 cup of puree, which is perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture for the best texture!
What Can I Substitute for Vegetable Oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil with canola oil or melted coconut oil for a different flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, unsweetened applesauce can work too, but your bread may end up slightly denser.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can wrap it in plastic and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Of course! Feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. You can also swap the chocolate chips for dried cranberries or raisins for a different taste!
