This cozy pumpkin walnut bread is perfect for fall! It’s filled with warm spices, moist pumpkin, and crunchy walnuts, making each slice a tasty treat.
Every time I bake this, my kitchen smells amazing. Plus, it’s great for breakfast or a snack. Trust me, you’ll want to keep it on hand for those cozy days! 🍂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience, which is what I usually do. If you prefer fresh, just roast and blend the pumpkin. You could substitute with applesauce, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Nuts: Walnuts bring a nice crunch, but if you’re allergic, feel free to swap in pecans or omit them altogether for a nut-free version. I often toast the walnuts for extra flavor!
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger give this bread its signature flavor. If you don’t have one, use pumpkin pie spice instead, as it contains many of these spices. I love adding a bit more cinnamon for extra warmth.
Oil vs. Butter: I usually opt for vegetable oil for a lighter texture, but melted butter is great for rich flavor. You can also use coconut oil for a hint of sweetness.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture in My Pumpkin Bread?
To ensure your pumpkin walnut bread comes out perfectly moist and fluffy, a few techniques are key!
- **Don’t Overmix:** When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing can create a dense texture.
- **Check Doneness Carefully:** Using a toothpick is essential. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good! If it’s wet batter, give it a bit more time.
- **Cool Properly:** After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for a bit to help it set and make it easier to remove.
Following these steps will help you enjoy a nice slice of moist pumpkin walnut bread every time!
How to Make Pumpkin Walnut Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pumpkin walnut bread takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 55 to 65 minutes to bake. Make sure to let it cool for about 15 minutes after baking before slicing. In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your bread gets the perfect bake! Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. This mix of spices will give your bread that warm, cozy flavor we all love during the fall!
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil (or melted butter). Stir well until everything is combined and smooth. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make your bread tough.
5. Add the Walnuts:
Fold in the chopped walnuts, which will add a delightful crunch to your bread. If you want, you can reserve a few walnut pieces to sprinkle on top before baking.
6. Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. If you saved some walnuts for decoration, sprinkle them on top now! Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When you’re ready, slice it up and enjoy! This bread is delightful on its own or with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
This moist, warmly spiced pumpkin walnut bread captures all the cozy fall flavors, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Another Type of Nut in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have a nut allergy, you can use pecans or even omit the nuts entirely for a delicious, nut-free version.
Can I Substitute Fresh Pumpkin for Canned Pumpkin?
Yes, you can! If using fresh pumpkin, just roast it until soft, then puree it until smooth. Make sure to measure it out just like you would canned pumpkin.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pumpkin walnut bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Chocolate Chips to This Bread?
Definitely! Chocolate chips can add a delightful twist. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the walnuts, and enjoy the chocolatey goodness!