This Pumpkin Apple Bread is a warm hug in a loaf! The blend of pumpkin and sweet apples makes it moist and super tasty. Who doesn’t love a slice with a bit of butter on top?
I can’t help but snack on this bread all day long. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat. Plus, the kitchen smells amazing while baking! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: A must for this bread, it gives structure. For a healthier twist, try whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Just note that it might affect the texture a little.
Canned pumpkin puree: This is what keeps your bread moist and flavorful. If you don’t have it, you could use homemade pumpkin puree or even unsweetened applesauce for a lighter option.
Apples: Use a sweet variety like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a nice contrast with the spices. If you don’t have apples, pears can be a fun alternative!
Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch. If you’re allergic, seeds (like pumpkin or sunflower) work too, or you can simply leave them out.
How Can I Ensure My Pumpkin Apple Bread Comes Out Perfectly?
One crucial technique for success is how you mix the batter. Overmixing can make the bread tough, so mix just until the flour disappears.
- Whisk dry ingredients separately to blend them well. Combine with wet ingredients gently.
- When adding the apples and nuts, fold them in instead of stirring aggressively.
- Keep an eye on baking time. Start checking with a toothpick around the 55-minute mark. If it’s clean, your bread is ready!
How to Make Pumpkin Apple Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups peeled and chopped apples (approximately 1 medium apple)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (plus extra for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pumpkin Apple Bread takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 55-65 minutes to bake. You’ll let it cool for a bit before slicing it up. All in all, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you can enjoy it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Grease and flour it, or you can line the bottom with parchment paper to make it easy to remove the bread once it’s baked.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures that your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a larger bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract until the mixture is nice and smooth. This will give your bread its sweet and moist base.
4. Mix Together:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth. Overmixing can make the bread tough, and we want it tender!
5. Add Apples and Nuts:
Carefully fold in the chopped apples and the nuts. If you’d like, save a handful of the nuts to sprinkle on top of the loaf for some added crunch and presentation.
6. Transfer to the Baking Pan:
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the reserved nuts on top to make it look fancy.
7. Baking Time:
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it starts to brown too much, cover it loosely with foil as it bakes.
8. Cool the Bread:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before you start slicing.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Now for the best part! Enjoy your slices plain or with a little butter or cream cheese. This Pumpkin Apple Bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin! Just make sure to cook and puree it until smooth. You’ll need about 1 to 1 ¼ cups of fresh pumpkin for this recipe. Be sure to drain any excess moisture to prevent the bread from becoming too wet.
What Type of Apples Are Best for This Bread?
For the best flavor and texture, use sweet apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. They hold their shape well and complement the spices nicely. You can also use a mix of sweet and tart apples for added depth!
Can I Make This Bread Vegan?
Absolutely! To make it vegan, substitute the eggs with ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water). You can also replace the milk with a non-dairy milk alternative and the butter with coconut oil or a vegetable oil.
How Should I Store Leftover Pumpkin Apple Bread?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it fresh for longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to slice it before freezing for easy access!