Aromatic Joy of Cooking Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Pumpkin bread from Joy of Cooking emerges as a culinary masterpiece that transforms ordinary pantry staples into an autumnal symphony of flavors.

Warm spices waltz through tender crumbs, unleashing an intoxicating fragrance that dances across kitchen counters.

Every slice whispers comfort, blending nostalgic memories with contemporary baking magic.

Crafted with accessible ingredients, this quick bread welcomes bakers from novice to expert levels.

Cinnamon and nutmeg intertwine, creating a sensory landscape that evokes crisp fall afternoons and intimate family moments.

Each golden-hued morsel tells a story of seasonal abundance and heartwarming tradition.

Let this recipe be your gateway to experiencing pure, unadulterated baking bliss.

Baking Instructions for Moist Pumpkin Bread

• Warm Up Your Baking Space

Slide the oven rack to the center and heat to 325°F. Spray your loaf pans with a generous coating of baking spray to prevent sticking. This prep work sets the stage for delicious pumpkin bread.

• Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a bowl and whisk together flour, spices, salt, and leavening agents until they’re dancing together in perfect harmony. The aromatic blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg will make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Blend Wet Ingredients

Cream butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud. Add eggs one by one, then fold in smooth pumpkin puree. Don’t worry if the mixture looks slightly bumpy – that’s totally normal and part of the magic.

• Create The Perfect Batter

Slowly incorporate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can make your bread tough, so take it easy and keep things light.

• Bake And Enjoy

Pour the batter into prepared pans and slide into the oven. Bake for 65-75 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. For an extra treat, toast slices a day or two later to revive that fresh-baked flavor.

Pumpkin Bread Flavor Enhancers and Mix-Ins

• Boost Moisture Magic: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter for an incredibly tender, moist texture that keeps bread soft for days.
• Make It Nutty: Fold in chopped pecans, walnuts, or pepitas before baking to introduce delightful crunch and boost nutritional value with healthy fats and protein.
• Spice Level Up: Experiment with additional warm spices like cardamom or ginger to create a more complex, layered flavor profile that elevates the traditional pumpkin bread taste.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions without compromising delicious results.

Sweet Serving Ideas for Pumpkin Bread

• Serve Alongside Warm Beverages: Pair each slice with steaming hot coffee, creamy chai latte, or spiced apple cider for a cozy autumn experience.
• Dress Up with Sweet Toppings: Spread cream cheese frosting, drizzle maple syrup, or sprinkle powdered sugar to enhance the pumpkin bread's rich flavors.
• Create Breakfast or Dessert Moments: Enjoy as a hearty morning treat with butter and jam, or serve as a delightful after-dinner dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Transform into Decadent Snack Platter: Cut into bite-sized cubes, arrange on a rustic wooden board with nuts, dried fruits, and soft cheese for an elegant gathering spread.

How to Store and Slice Pumpkin Bread

• Preserve Freshness: Store pumpkin bread in airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, keeping moisture and flavor locked in perfectly.
• Refrigerate Right: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or place in sealed container in refrigerator, extending shelf life to 7-10 days without losing delicious taste.
• Freeze for Future: Slice bread before freezing, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze up to 3 months in freezer-safe bag or wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Revive and Enjoy: Thaw frozen bread at room temperature for 2-3 hours or warm gently in oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to restore original softness and warm, comforting texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 11

What You’ll Need for Pumpkin Bread

• Butter: Select high-quality unsalted butter for rich, smooth flavor.
• Flour: Choose unbleached all-purpose flour for consistent texture.
• Baking Spray: Opt for non-stick spray with flour for easy pan release.

• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Sift together to eliminate lumps and ensure even distribution.
• Ground Cloves, Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Use freshly ground spices for intense, vibrant flavor profile.

• Eggs: Select large, room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration.
• Pumpkin Puree: Choose 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for authentic taste.
• Sugar: Use granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness and texture.

Tools to Make Pumpkin Bread Easily

• Electric Mixer: Perfect for creaming butter and sugar, ensuring smooth and fluffy texture.
• Medium Bowl: Essential for whisking dry ingredients and creating a uniform flour blend.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient measurements and consistent recipe results.
• Whisk: Great for combining dry ingredients without creating lumps.
• Loaf Pans (8×4 inches): Two pans needed for even baking and shaping of pumpkin bread.
• Cake Tester or Toothpick: Helps check bread doneness by inserting into center.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows bread to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
• Spatula: Useful for scraping batter and ensuring all ingredients are well mixed.
• Oven: Must be preheated to 325°F for proper baking.

Cozy Pumpkin Bread Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Harvest season’s beloved pumpkin bread delivers warmth and comfort from classic American kitchens. Spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this simple quick bread welcomes you to savor autumn’s richest flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can 100% pure pumpkin
• 1.5 sticks (0.75 cup / 170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (400 g) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 0.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and heat to 325°F. Prepare two 8-inch loaf pans by greasing with butter and dusting with flour, or using flour-based baking spray.
2. Dry Mixture: Sift together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Whisk until uniformly blended.
3. Wet Base: Cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and pale. Incorporate eggs individually, beating thoroughly after each addition, and continue mixing for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
4. Pumpkin Integration: Add pumpkin puree to the butter mixture, which may momentarily look curdled – this is expected. Gradually fold in dry ingredients on low speed, mixing until just combined without overmixing.
5. Baking Process: Distribute batter evenly between prepared pans, smoothing tops with a spatula. Bake for 65-75 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean and dry.
6. Cooling Method: Let loaves rest in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For enhanced enjoyment, serve slightly warm or lightly toast day-old slices.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stop stirring as soon as dry ingredients are incorporated to maintain a tender, soft crumb and avoid tough bread.
• Pan Preparation Matters: Greasing and flouring the pan thoroughly prevents sticking and ensures easy bread removal without breaking.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Use a cake tester or thin knife inserted in the center to confirm complete baking; it should come out clean and dry.
• Serving Temperature Tip: Warm or lightly toasted slices enhance the bread’s flavor and texture, especially after a day of storage.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg