Mini Pumpkin-Date Bread
Description: These adorable miniature loaves of pumpkin-date bread, studded with the sweetness of chopped dates, are not only incredibly delicious but also make for delightful gifts, perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Alternatively, you can opt to create two larger loaves to indulge in the delightful flavors for yourself or to share with loved ones.
Recipe Category: Quick Breads
Keywords: Breads, Healthy, Christmas, Thanksgiving, < 60 Mins, Oven
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 467.2
- Fat Content: 15.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 2.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 76.9mg
- Sodium Content: 431.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 77.5g
- Fiber Content: 2.6g
- Sugar Content: 47.4g
- Protein Content: 6.6g
Servings: 11 small loaves
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | Sugar |
| 2/3 cup | Vegetable oil |
| 2 | Eggs |
| 4 | Pumpkin |
| 1 cup | All-purpose flour |
| 3 tsp | Baking soda |
| 2 tsp | Ground cinnamon |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 3/4 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1/2 tsp | Ground cloves |
| 1 cup | Chopped dates |
Instructions:
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom of 11 miniature loaf pans (each measuring 4 ½ x 2 ¾ x 1 1/3 inches) or prepare two larger loaf pans measuring 9 x 5 x 3 inches each.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, eggs, and pumpkin. Stir well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, baking powder, and ground cloves to the wet mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and there are no lumps. Be sure not to overmix.
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Add Dates: Gently fold in the chopped dates until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, ensuring each bite is infused with their natural sweetness.
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Divide Batter: Carefully divide the batter evenly among the prepared loaf pans, ensuring each one is filled to about 3/4 full to allow room for rising during baking.
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Bake: Place the filled loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes for the miniature loaves or 50 to 60 minutes for the larger loaves. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of a loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it, the bread is ready.
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Cooling: Once baked, allow the loaves to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. Then carefully remove them from the pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Special Touch: For an extra special touch, enhance the flavor and presentation of your pumpkin-date bread by preparing a crumbly topping. Before baking, mix together 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/3 cup of chopped pecans, and 1 tablespoon of softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture over the loaves before placing them in the oven for a delightful crunchy texture and added indulgence.
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Enjoy: Once cooled, slice into thick, aromatic slices and savor the warm, comforting flavors of this delightful pumpkin-date bread. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or gifting to friends and family during the festive season or any time you crave a taste of homemade goodness.
With its moist texture, rich pumpkin flavor, and bursts of sweet dates in every bite, this Mini Pumpkin-Date Bread is sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted and spread with a pat of butter, it’s a treat that embodies the essence of cozy autumn days and holiday gatherings.
