Moist Pumpkin Spice Fruit Bread

Fruit & Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Description

This Fruit & Pumpkin Bread recipe started as a zucchini bread but evolved into a delightful pumpkin bread. It features an array of aromatic spices and uses applesauce to cut down on fat, resulting in an incredibly moist bread that is hard to distinguish from its higher-fat counterparts. This bread is one of my favorites to bring into work due to its wholesome ingredients and rich flavor profile.

Recipe Category

• Quick Breads

Keywords

• Breads
• Grains
• Fruit
• Healthy
• Potluck
• Weeknight
• Oven
• < 4 Hours
• Easy

Ingredients and Quantities

1. Canned pumpkin: 16 oz
2. Sugar: 1 2/3 cups
3. Applesauce: 1 cup
4. Vanilla: 2 tsp
5. Eggs: 2 large
6. White flour: 4 cups
7. Baking soda: 3 tsp
8. Salt: 2 tsp
9. Ground cinnamon: 1 tsp
10. Ground cloves: 1 tsp
11. Nutmeg: 1 tsp
12. Allspice: 1 tsp
13. Baking powder: 1/2 tsp
14. Raisins: 1/2 cup
15. Dried cranberries: 1/2 cup

Nutritional Information (per recipe)

• Calories: 1911.9
• Fat Content: 26.4 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 5 g
• Cholesterol Content: 211.5 mg
• Sodium Content: 3534.1 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 385.6 g
• Fiber Content: 20.3 g
• Sugar Content: 189.9 g
• Protein Content: 42.5 g

Yield

• 2 loaves

Instructions

1. Preparation:

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   • Adjust the oven rack so that the top of a loaf pan will be in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Grease two 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pans.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned pumpkin, sugar, applesauce, vanilla, and eggs. Stir until well blended.

3. Add Spices and Salt:

   • Stir in the ground cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until evenly distributed.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, combine the white flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

5. Incorporate Nuts and Fruits:

   • Gently blend in the raisins and dried cranberries. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Pour and Bake:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans, distributing it evenly. While this recipe could make one large loaf, it is unwieldy and does not cook as well as when divided into two loaves.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool:

   • Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes.
   • Remove the loaves from the pans and place them on a wire rack to finish cooling completely.

Tips for the Best Fruit & Pumpkin Bread

1. Quality Pumpkin: Use high-quality canned pumpkin for the best texture and flavor. Avoid using pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugars and spices.
2. Applesauce Substitute: If you don’t have applesauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of mashed banana or Greek yogurt to maintain the moisture content.
3. Spice Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding a bit more cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor.
4. Mix-Ins: Consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for additional texture and flavor.
5. Storage: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the loaves tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months.

Serving Suggestions

• This bread is perfect for breakfast, served with a smear of butter or cream cheese.
• Enjoy it as a snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
• It makes a lovely addition to a brunch spread, paired with fresh fruit and yogurt.
• For a festive touch, dust the top with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a sweet twist.
• Pumpkin Banana Bread: Replace half of the pumpkin with mashed banana for a different flavor profile.
• Pumpkin Nut Bread: Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added crunch.
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the white flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.

This Fruit & Pumpkin Bread is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Its moist texture and rich, spiced flavor make it a hit for any occasion, from casual weekday breakfasts to festive holiday gatherings. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful bread with friends and family!