This Pumpkin Nut Bread recipe delivers the perfect combination of moist, spiced pumpkin flavor with the crunch of chopped nuts. The mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives it that quintessential fall taste, while the pumpkin puree keeps the bread tender. You can swap the nuts for chocolate chips if you're in the mood for a sweeter treat. Bake this bread for a cozy breakfast, snack, or even as a holiday gift!
Pumpkin Nut Bread is the ultimate fall comfort food. With its moist, tender crumb and the satisfying crunch of walnuts or pecans, this bread is perfect for a cozy breakfast or snack. The blend of warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves—gives it a rich, fragrant flavor that captures the essence of autumn. Whether you're enjoying a slice fresh from the oven or toasting it for a mid-morning treat, Pumpkin Nut Bread brings warmth and comfort to any fall day. The recipe is easy to prepare and bakes in just over an hour, filling your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of spices and pumpkin.
INGREDIENTS
- All-purpose flour: 1 ¾ cups
- Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
- Baking powder: ½ teaspoon
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon, for warm spice flavor
- Ground nutmeg: ½ teaspoon, to enhance the autumn flavor
- Ground cloves: ½ teaspoon, for a deep, aromatic spice
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup, for sweetness
- Pumpkin puree: 1 cup, for moisture and flavor
- Large eggs: 2, to bind the ingredients
- Vegetable oil: ½ cup, for moisture
- Milk: ¼ cup, for added richness
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, for added depth of flavor
- Chopped nuts: ¾ cup (walnuts or pecans), for crunch
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Step 3:
- In another bowl, mix the sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Step 5:
- Fold in the chopped nuts and pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Substitute the nuts with chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Helpful Notes
- To make the bread even more moist, add an extra tablespoon of oil or milk.
- Try using pecans for a more buttery flavor, or walnuts for a classic pairing with pumpkin.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Tip: Toast the nuts lightly before folding them into the batter to bring out their natural oils and enhance their flavor.
Summary
Pumpkin Nut Bread is the perfect fall recipe, combining the rich, spiced flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the moistness of pumpkin puree. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, making this bread a favorite for cozy mornings or a quick snack. The recipe is simple to make, requiring basic ingredients and minimal preparation. The loaf bakes to a beautiful golden brown and fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days, and enjoy it with your morning coffee or tea!