Description
This moist and flavorful pumpkin bread combines pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a blend of butter and applesauce for a perfectly tender texture. It’s lightly sweetened with sugar and enhanced with vanilla, making it an ideal autumn treat or breakfast option. The bread bakes evenly in a 9×5 loaf pan, resulting in a soft crumb and rich aroma.
Ingredients
- 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ⅓ cup applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat sugar, pumpkin puree, melted butter, applesauce, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 70-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Notes
Substitute melted butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option. Applesauce adds moisture and can be replaced with mashed banana if preferred. To make ahead, bake the bread and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense bread texture. Ensure the loaf is completely cooled before slicing for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American