This Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves recipe combines warm spices and pumpkin for a cozy treat. The sweet cinnamon swirl inside makes every bite extra special!
I love how these mini loaves are perfect for sharing—or hiding a few away for myself. You know you’ve done it too! 😏 Enjoy them warm with a pat of butter, and you’re in for a tasty moment!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your bread. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but you might need to adjust the liquid a bit since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.
Canned pumpkin puree: Make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. If you want a fresh taste, you can use homemade pumpkin puree from roasted pumpkin. Just blend it until smooth!
Granulated and brown sugar: Both sugars add sweetness, but brown sugar brings moisture and a slight caramel flavor. You can use coconut sugar if you’re looking for a lower glycemic option or to add a hint of flavor.
Vegetable oil: This keeps the bread moist. You can substitute with applesauce for a healthier twist, which will also give a hint of sweetness.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. Adding more cinnamon or a dash of cardamom can elevate the flavor! If you’re short on a spice, you can often replace it with similar ones.
How Do I Achieve a Beautiful Cinnamon Swirl?
The cinnamon swirl is what makes this bread special! Here’s how to get that perfect look and taste:
- First, combine the cinnamon and sugar in a bowl. This ensures an even distribution when you sprinkle it.
- Layering is key. After the first layer of batter, generously sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture. Repeat with another layer of batter and sprinkle the remaining sugar on top.
- Finally, use a knife or a skewer to gently swirl the batter. Be careful not to overmix—just a few gentle swirls will maintain distinct layers.
This technique will give you that delicious inner swirl without losing the beautiful look of the loaf!
Cinnamon Swirl Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the pumpkin bread batter:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the cinnamon swirl:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake. After baking, allow an additional 10 minutes in the pan for cooling and then you can let them cool completely on a wire rack. Altogether, you’re looking at about 1 hour to have these scrumptious mini loaves ready for enjoying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease or line 4 mini loaf pans with parchment paper. This will help make the loaves easier to take out later!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This blend will create a wonderful warmth in your bread!
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly blended. This adds moisture and flavor to your bread.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Just mix until everything is combined—you want to keep the bread tender, so don’t overdo it!
5. Make the Cinnamon Swirl:
In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon. This will create the sweet swirl that makes this bread so special!
6. Layer the Batter:
Begin by spooning about one-third of the pumpkin batter into each mini loaf pan. Next, sprinkle about half of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter in each pan. Then, spoon in another third of the batter on top of the cinnamon layer.
7. Final Layer & Swirl:
Top each loaf with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture, and finish with a final layer of pumpkin batter. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the batter and cinnamon sugar together. This creates the lovely cinnamon swirl effect in each loaf!
8. Bake:
Place the pans in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool & Enjoy!
Once baked, carefully remove the mini loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you like, you can dust the tops with a little extra cinnamon sugar once they’re slightly cooled for an added treat.
Now, sit back and enjoy these moist, spiced pumpkin mini loaves! They’re perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even a warm dessert!
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Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Pumpkin Puree?
Absolutely! If you want to use fresh pumpkin, just roast it until tender, scoop it out, and blend it until smooth. Make sure to measure it properly—1 cup of puree is still needed for the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover mini loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing them—just wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing them in a resealable bag.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture. The baking time may remain the same, but it’s always good to check for doneness with a toothpick.
What Can I Use Instead of Vegetable Oil?
If you prefer not to use vegetable oil, you can substitute it with melted coconut oil or applesauce for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that applesauce will add extra moisture and a hint of sweetness.
