If you’re craving a delicious, moist, and spiced treat, Nana’s Pumpkin Bread is the perfect answer. Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and made with real pumpkin puree, this bread is a family favorite that’s easy to make. Whether you’re baking for fall, the holidays, or just because, this pumpkin bread will fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas and your taste buds with pure joy.
Ingredients for Nana’s Pumpkin Bread
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves (for warm, sweet spice)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cozy, aromatic flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (for earthy sweetness)
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for moisture)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (preferably homemade, but canned works just as well)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for a hint of sweetness)
Instructions for Nana’s Pumpkin Bread
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and vegetable oil until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in the pumpkin puree, water, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser bread.
5. Bake the Bread
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let the pumpkin bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Pumpkin Puree: If using canned pumpkin puree, make sure it’s 100% pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until the ingredients are combined to ensure your pumpkin bread stays light and moist.
- Storage: Wrap the pumpkin bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Variations for Nana’s Pumpkin Bread
1. Add-Ins
- Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. About 1/2 cup of any add-in should work perfectly.
2. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread
- To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
3. Healthier Pumpkin Bread
- You can replace the vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter version of this bread. You may also reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without losing too much sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes! Simply roast or steam your pumpkin, then puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth. Use the same quantity of homemade pumpkin puree as you would canned.
2. How do I know when the bread is done?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top starts browning too much before the inside is fully cooked, you can tent the loaf with foil.
3. Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Absolutely! You can pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4. Can I freeze pumpkin bread?
Yes, you can freeze the bread for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
A Cozy, Delicious Fall Favorite
Nana’s Pumpkin Bread is a classic recipe that brings the warm, spiced flavors of fall into your kitchen. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert, this pumpkin bread is moist, flavorful, and easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious loaf of pumpkin goodness to enjoy with your loved ones. Serve it with a warm cup of coffee or tea for the ultimate cozy treat!
