Easy Pumpkin Bread

Easy Pumpkin Bread

2 loaves

Ingredients

  • 1 cup vegetable oil

    198g

  • 2 2/3 cups granulated sugar

    528g

  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 scant cups or one 15-ounce can pumpkin purée

    425g

  • 2/3 cup water

    152g

  • 3 1/3 cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour

    400g

  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

    optional*, 113g

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

    optional*, 255g

  • coarse sparkling sugar

    for sprinkling on top, optional

  • 1 cup confectioners' or glazing sugar

    113g

  • 2 tablespoons butter

    melted, 28g

  • 1 tablespoon milk

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf pans (if you're making the plain version of the bread); two 9" x 5" loaf pans (if you're adding chocolate chips and nuts); or one of each, if you're making one plain loaf, and one loaf with chips and nuts.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, beat together the oil, sugar, eggs, pumpkin, and water.

  3. 3

    Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and vanilla, stirring to combine.

  4. 4

    Mix in the chips and nuts, if you're using them. To make one loaf with chips/nuts, one loaf without, divide the batter in half. Leave one half plain, and add 3/4 cup chips and 1/2 cup nuts to the other half. Take it a step further Blog How to make pumpkin purée from fresh pumpkins By PJ Hamel

  5. 5

    Spoon the batter into the prepared pans. Sprinkle the tops of the loaves with coarse sparkling sugar.

  6. 6

    Bake the bread for 60 to 80 minutes, or until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean; and that same tester inserted about 1/2" into the top of the loaf doesn't encounter any totally unbaked batter.

  7. 7

    Remove the bread from the oven, and cool it on a rack. When it's completely cool, wrap it well in plastic wrap and if time allows, store it overnight before serving. Waiting to enjoy the bread allows the flavors to meld and texture to completely set.

  8. 8

    The next day, stir together the glaze ingredients. Drizzle the glaze over the bread and cut into slices to serve.

  9. 9

    Storage information: Store leftover bread, tightly wrapped, at room temperature for several days. Freeze for longer storage.

Easy Pumpkin Bread

Easy Pumpkin Bread

70 min2 loaves

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About this Recipe

Craving that comforting, warm aroma of homemade pumpkin bread filling your kitchen? This Easy Pumpkin Bread recipe delivers two generous loaves of pure autumnal delight, perfect for sharing or savoring all week long. You'll love how simple it is to bring that classic fall flavor home.

What makes this recipe a go-to for home bakers? It strikes the perfect balance of moisture and spice, utilizing a full can of pumpkin purée for a deep, rich flavor and wonderfully tender crumb. The combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures a beautiful rise, while a thoughtful blend of spices, including fragrant nutmeg, brings that quintessential pumpkin bread taste without overpowering the natural sweetness. The flexibility to add your favorite mix-ins means you can truly make it your own.

Prepare for a wonderfully moist and tender crumb that's rich with the mellow sweetness of pumpkin and a delicate, warming spice blend. Each bite offers that comforting taste of fall, balanced by the optional crunch of nuts or the delightful surprise of melted chocolate chips. This recipe yields two substantial loaves, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family, gifting, or simply ensuring you have plenty on hand to enjoy for various occasions.

Make this pumpkin bread your own with easy customizations. The recipe invites you to include 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a classic crunch, or a generous 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips for a sweeter, more decadent treat; both are listed as optional, so feel free to omit them or use one over the other. For an extra touch of sparkle and sweetness, a sprinkle of coarse sparkling sugar on top before baking is an elegant, optional addition. And don't forget the simple yet delicious glaze made from confectioners' sugar, melted butter, and milk—a perfect finish that’s easy to whip up.

Serve slices of this delightful pumpkin bread warm with your morning coffee, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or as a comforting dessert after a cozy meal. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday breakfasts, or simply a treat to brighten any day.

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