Perfect Pumpkin Bread Recipe: Joy Of Cooking Style

Joy of Cooking’s pumpkin bread transforms ordinary ingredients into a soul-warming culinary experience that beckons autumn’s embrace.

Warm spices dance through soft, moist crumbs, creating an irresistible aroma that fills kitchen spaces.

Rustic and comforting, this classic quick bread embodies seasonal nostalgia with its rich, golden texture.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently navigate this simple recipe, which promises delectable results.

Subtle hints of cinnamon and nutmeg weave through each tender slice, awakening memories of cozy gatherings.

Seasonal ingredients merge harmoniously, producing a treat that feels both familiar and extraordinary.

The fragrant loaf invites leisurely moments of pure culinary joy: savor slowly and relish completely.

Helpful Tips for Pumpkin Bread

• Warm Up Ingredients: Let eggs, butter, and pumpkin sit out 30 minutes before mixing to create smoother batter.
• Select Superior Pumpkin: Reach for Libby's 100% pure canned pumpkin to guarantee rich, genuine taste without watery consistency.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Rest bread in baking pan exactly 10 minutes after removing from oven, allowing structural integrity to set before transferring to cooling rack.
• Slice with Precision: Wait until bread completely cools to room temperature for clean, neat cuts that won't crumble.
• Storage Secret: Wrap cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate up to a week for lasting freshness.

Helpful Tips for Pumpkin BreadStorage

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by carefully wrapping pumpkin bread in vacuum-sealed bags. Remove all air pockets to prevent moisture and freezer burn, extending shelf life up to 4 months. Perfect for preserving homemade treats without quality loss.
• Slice and Separate: Cut bread into individual portions before freezing. Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking. Grab and thaw exactly what you need without defrosting the entire loaf. Ideal for quick snacks or spontaneous breakfast moments.
• Glass Container Method: Transfer cooled pumpkin bread to airtight glass containers with tight-sealing lids. Refrigerate for maximum moisture retention and flavor preservation. Glass prevents odor absorption and maintains bread's delicate texture better than plastic alternatives.

Different Takes on Pumpkin Bread

• Nutty Harvest Bread: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and rich, earthy flavor. Sprinkle additional nuts on top before baking for a beautiful, rustic presentation.
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Fold 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter just before pouring into the loaf pans. The melted chocolate creates delicious pockets of sweetness throughout the bread.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Pumpkin Bread: Create a creamy swirl by mixing 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 egg. Dollop the cream cheese mixture between layers of pumpkin batter before baking for a tangy, rich addition.
• Spiced Maple Pumpkin Bread: Replace 1/4 cup of sugar with pure maple syrup and add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of ground ginger for an intensified warm, autumnal flavor profile.

Wrapping Up Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread emerges as autumn’s most cherished comfort companion, blending nostalgic spices with rich, wholesome ingredients.

Warm kitchen aromas will transport culinary enthusiasts through memories of seasonal gatherings and family traditions.

Baking professionals and home cooks can master this straightforward recipe with confidence and ease.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg create complex flavor profiles that dance across taste buds with remarkable depth.

Homemade pumpkin bread becomes more than just a recipe – it represents connection, warmth, and shared moments around kitchen counters.

Passionate bakers who craft this delightful treat will discover pure joy in each carefully prepared slice.

You’ll want to share this creation, so snap a photo, tag your favorite foodie friends, and spread autumn’s delicious magic across social media platforms!

Top Perks of Pumpkin Bread

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a warm, spice-packed pumpkin bread that captures the cozy essence of autumn in every single bite.
• Effortless Baking Delight: Whip up this foolproof recipe with simple ingredients and basic mixing techniques that even novice bakers can master with confidence.
• Versatile Treat for Any Moment: Enjoy this bread as a breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or dessert that transforms perfectly with a quick toast, keeping its freshness and flavor alive for days after baking.

Key Ingredients for Pumpkin Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and body to the bread, choose unbleached flour for better texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and become light.
• Ground Cloves, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that create the classic pumpkin bread flavor profile.

• Butter, Sugar: Creamed together to create a rich, tender base with excellent sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture, room temperature eggs mix more smoothly.
• Pumpkin Puree: Provides moisture, color, and signature pumpkin flavor, use pure pumpkin puree.

• Butter, Flour: Used for greasing and dusting pans to prevent sticking.
• Baking Spray with Flour: Convenient alternative to traditional greasing method, ensures easy bread removal.

Pumpkin Bread Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Pans

• Butter
• Flour for dusting

Alternatively, use baking spray with flour like Baker’s Joy or Pam with Flour.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Ground cloves
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Set mixture aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

Using electric mixer, cream butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs And Pumpkin

Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in pumpkin puree. Mixture might look slightly grainy – this is normal.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Ingredients

Gradually add dry ingredient mixture to wet ingredients on low speed. Mix until just combined.

Step 6: Bake Pumpkin Bread

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 65-75 minutes until cake tester inserted into center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool And Serve

Let loaves cool in pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely. For extra deliciousness, toast slices if bread is more than 1 day old.

Joy Of Cooking Pumpkin Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Pumpkin bread whispers autumn’s warmth with rich spices and tender crumb. Homemade comfort emerges from traditional fall flavors, inviting you to savor each delectable slice of this classic seasonal treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1½ sticks (¾ cup / 170 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400 grams) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 (15-ounce / 425 grams) can 100% pure pumpkin

Spices:

• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Leavening and Salt:

• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder

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Instructions

1. Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 325°F (163°C). Thoroughly grease two 8-inch by 4-inch (20 cm by 10 cm) loaf pans with unsalted butter, then dust with all-purpose flour to prevent sticking.
2. Alternatively, use a baking spray containing flour for convenient pan preparation.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
4. Whisk the dry ingredients until uniformly combined, then set aside.
5. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together on medium speed until smooth and pale.
6. Add eggs individually, beating thoroughly after each addition. Continue mixing for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and airy.
7. Incorporate pumpkin puree into the butter mixture, which may momentarily appear curdled or grainy – this is normal.
8. Gradually fold in the prepared dry ingredient mixture on low speed, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
10. Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center emerges clean and dry.
11. Allow loaves to rest in pans for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
12. For optimal texture, serve slightly warm or lightly toast individual slices if the bread has been stored for more than a day.

Notes

• Bringing ingredients to room temperature helps them mix smoothly and creates a more consistent batter texture.
• Libby’s 100% pure pumpkin delivers the most genuine, rich pumpkin flavor that makes this bread taste like autumn’s best recipe.
• Cooling the bread in the pan for 10 minutes allows the delicate structure to set and prevents breaking when removing from the baking vessel.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 760 kcal
• Sugar: 90 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 109 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg