Description
Ina Garten’s pumpkin bread delights autumn dessert enthusiasts with its rich, spiced flavor profile. Moist crumb and warm spices create a comforting slice perfect for seasonal gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 sticks (0.75 cup/170 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 (15 oz/425 g) can of 100% pure pumpkin
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Preparation: Calibrate oven to 325°F (165°C) with rack positioned centrally for uniform heat distribution.
- Pan Preparation: Thoroughly grease two 8 x 4-inch loaf pans with butter, then dust lightly with flour to ensure effortless release.
- Dry Ingredient Composition: Combine flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a comprehensive mixing vessel, whisking until thoroughly integrated.
- Wet Ingredient Fusion: Cream butter and sugar until achieving a light, airy consistency, then methodically incorporate eggs, mixing completely after each addition to create a silky smooth base.
- Moisture Integration: Introduce pumpkin puree to the butter mixture, stirring until achieving a uniform golden-orange hue and velvety texture.
- Batter Formation: Delicately fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients, using gentle circular motions to prevent overworking the mixture, stopping precisely when ingredients are just combined.
- Baking Process: Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing surfaces with a spatula to eliminate potential air pockets and ensure consistent rising.
- Cooking Technique: Bake for 65-75 minutes, verifying doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge with minimal crumb residue, indicating perfect internal moisture.
- Cooling Protocol: Allow bread to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack, permitting complete cooling before slicing to maintain structural integrity.
Notes
- Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender, soft bread texture without developing tough gluten.
- Check Oven Accuracy: Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise 325°F temperature for even baking and perfect golden-brown crust.
- Moisture Matters: Select high-quality, smooth pumpkin puree without added water or seasonings to control moisture content and achieve ideal bread consistency.
- Cooling Technique: Allow bread to rest in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire rack, preventing structural collapse and ensuring clean, intact slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg