Grandma’s Pumpkin Bread
This Pumpkin Bread recipe is a cherished gem discovered on a Grandma’s Brand Molasses label, and it has become a beloved family favorite ever since. What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity, delivering a richly flavorful and moist bread without any fuss. Whether baked as cupcakes, a sheet cake, a bundt cake, or mini loaves, this versatile recipe consistently turns out perfectly every time. Serve it plain for a classic treat or elevate it with cream cheese or a sweet cream cheese frosting for a delightful twist. The deep autumn spices make it the ideal treat for cool-weather gatherings or a thoughtful gift during the holiday season.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Preparation Time
- Equipment Needed
- Tags
- Serving Size
- Difficulty Level
- Allergen Information
- Dietary Preferences
- Course
- Cuisine
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Preparation Tips
- Nutritional Information
- Tips and Tricks
- Add-Ons
- Side Dishes
- Improvements
- Save and Store
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Conclusion
- References
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Equipment Needed
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Mixing Bowls: At least one large mixing bowl.
- Electric Mixer: Handheld or stand mixer for beating the batter.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- Loaf Pans: Two 8×4-inch loaf pans.
- Grease or Non-Stick Spray: To prepare the loaf pans.
- Toothpick or Cake Tester: To check for doneness.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the bread.
- Cupcake Tins (Optional): If making cupcakes.
- Bundt Pan (Optional): If making a bundt cake.
- Mini Loaf Pans (Optional): If making mini loaves.
Tags
- Pumpkin bread
- Easy pumpkin bread recipe
- Fall quick bread
- Healthy pumpkin bread
- Holiday pumpkin loaf
- Moist pumpkin bread
Serving Size
- Yield: 2 loaves
- Total Servings: 16 slices (approx. 8 slices per loaf)
Difficulty Level
- Easy
Allergen Information
- Contains:
- Eggs
- Wheat (gluten)
- Nuts (if added)
- Possible Allergens:
- Dairy (if pairing with cream cheese or frosting)
Note: Adjustments can be made to accommodate various allergies, such as using gluten-free flour or egg substitutes.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: Yes
- Vegan: Not suitable as is, but can be modified with plant-based substitutes.
- Gluten-Free: Requires substitution of all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative.
- Nut-Free: Naturally nut-free unless nuts are added as an optional ingredient.
- Sugar-Free: Possible with sugar substitutes.
- Dairy-Free: Suitable if paired with non-dairy spreads or frostings.
Course
- Dessert
- Snack
- Breakfast
Cuisine
- American
- Traditional
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Nutritional Info (Per Serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Molasses | 1 cup | Calories: 1563.9 |
| Eggs | 1/3 cup | Fat: 40.8g |
| Pumpkin (canned or pureed) | 4 cups | Saturated Fat: 8g |
| Ground Cinnamon | 1 tsp | Cholesterol: 428.2mg |
| Ground Nutmeg | 1 tsp | Sodium: 1865.6mg |
| Raisins | 1 cup | Carbohydrates: 279.2g |
| Chopped Dates | 1/3 cup | Fiber: 5.7g |
| Sugar | 161.5g | Protein: 26.9g |
Optional Ingredients
- Substitutions:
- Dates: Can be swapped with chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- Raisins: Can be replaced with dried cranberries for a tangy twist.
- Add-Ins:
- Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: 1/2 cup for extra texture.
- Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup for festive flavor.
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, prepare your baking pans by greasing two 8×4-inch loaf pans. Greasing is essential to ensure that the bread releases easily after baking and achieves a perfect, golden-brown crust.
2. Prepare the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- Molasses: 1 cup
- Eggs: 1/3 cup
- Pumpkin Puree: 4 cups (canned or homemade)
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 tsp
- Ground Nutmeg: 1 tsp
- Raisins: 1 cup
Optional: You can substitute dates for raisins or add both for a more complex texture and flavor. If you prefer to skip dried fruits, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast.
3. Mix the Batter
Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed for about two minutes. Ensure you scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to thoroughly combine all ingredients. The batter should be smooth but thick, with a rich golden-orange hue from the pumpkin and spices.
4. Pour Into Loaf Pans
Divide the batter evenly between your two greased loaf pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops, ensuring even baking.
5. Bake to Perfection
Place the pans in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. The tops should be slightly domed and display a deep golden-brown color.
6. Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaves to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps set the texture of the bread, making it easier to slice. Serve it warm with butter, or let it cool completely before adding a cream cheese frosting if desired.
Preparation Tips
- Ingredient Temperature: Ensure that all ingredients, especially eggs, are at room temperature before mixing. This helps in achieving a smoother batter.
- Pumpkin Puree: For the best flavor, use pure pumpkin puree rather than pumpkin pie filling, which contains additional sugars and spices.
- Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients to prevent the bread from becoming tough.
- Pan Preparation: Thoroughly grease the loaf pans to prevent sticking. You can also line them with parchment paper for an extra layer of assurance.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (1 slice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1563.9 |
| Fat | 40.8g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 428.2mg |
| Sodium | 1865.6mg |
| Carbohydrates | 279.2g |
| Fiber | 5.7g |
| Sugar | 161.5g |
| Protein | 26.9g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and measurements.
Tips and Tricks
- Uniform Baking: Ensure that your oven temperature is accurate by using an oven thermometer. This helps in achieving even baking.
- Flavor Enhancement: Let the batter rest for 10-15 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful bread.
- Checking Doneness: Start checking for doneness at the 40-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
- Storage Containers: Use airtight containers to store the bread, preserving its moisture and flavor.
Add-Ons
- Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Dried Cranberries: Incorporate 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a tangy twist.
- Chocolate Chips: For a sweet variation, add 1/2 cup of dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Orange Zest: Add the zest of one orange to enhance the citrus notes in the bread.
- Shredded Coconut: Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical flair.
Side Dishes
- Cream Cheese Spread: A simple spread made with softened cream cheese and a touch of honey or maple syrup complements the sweetness of the pumpkin bread.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Spiced Whipped Cream: Top with whipped cream flavored with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Fresh Fruits: Accompany with fresh apple slices or berries for a refreshing balance.
Improvements
- Healthier Options: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content. Use a sugar substitute or reduce the molasses to lower the sugar content.
- Moisture Control: If the bread turns out too dry, incorporate an extra egg or add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the batter.
- Flavor Depth: Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make the bread suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Save and Store
Pumpkin bread freezes beautifully, making it convenient for making ahead or storing leftovers. Follow these steps to ensure freshness:
- Cooling: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Wrapping: Wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Freezing: Place the wrapped loaves in a freezer-safe bag or container. The bread will keep well for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this pumpkin bread vegan?
Yes, by substituting the eggs with flax eggs or chia eggs and using a plant-based molasses, you can make this recipe vegan. Additionally, ensure that any optional add-ins like nuts or dried fruits are free from animal products.
2. How do I store pumpkin bread to keep it fresh longer?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread as outlined in the Save and Store section.
3. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree. To make it, roast or steam fresh pumpkin until tender, then blend it into a smooth puree. Measure the equivalent amount as specified in the recipe.
4. What can I substitute for molasses if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have molasses, you can substitute with honey, maple syrup, or dark corn syrup. Keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the flavor slightly, making it sweeter.
5. How can I make the bread less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar and molasses. Additionally, omitting the raisins or using less sweet dried fruits can help balance the sweetness.
6. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free, you can make this pumpkin bread suitable for a gluten-free diet.
7. How can I ensure my pumpkin bread is moist?
To ensure moisture, avoid overbaking the bread. Check for doneness with a toothpick at the 40-minute mark. Additionally, incorporating ingredients like oil or applesauce can help retain moisture.
8. Can I make this recipe in a single loaf pan?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the baking time. A single loaf pan may require an additional 10-15 minutes of baking. Start checking for doneness at the original baking time and adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Pumpkin Bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile, making it a perfect addition to any home baker’s repertoire. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family breakfast, a fall-themed brunch, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is sure to impress. The harmonious blend of pumpkin, molasses, and spices creates a delightful depth of flavor, while optional additions like raisins, dates, or nuts allow you to tailor the bread to your personal preferences. Best of all, it’s a foolproof recipe that takes less than an hour to make from start to finish. So, whenever you’re in the mood for a delicious homemade treat with the comforting flavors of fall, you know exactly where to turn!
