Autumn Harvest Pumpkin Nut Bread
Experience the fragrant symphony of fall spices infused in our Autumn Harvest Pumpkin Nut Bread. This moist and delightful bread, enriched with the wholesome richness of pumpkin, pecans, and a mix of dates and raisins, offers a comforting taste of autumn. With just the right hint of cinnamon and cloves, it's perfect for brunch, as a snack, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift.
2
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
pumpkin puree
15 ounces (canned)
granulated sugar
2 cups
butter or margarine
2/3 cup (softened)
water
1/2 cup
eggs
3 (large)
all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups
baking soda
2 teaspoons
salt
1 teaspoon
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon
chopped dates
2/3 cup
raisins
1/2 cup
chopped pecans
2/3 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Prepare two loaf pans by greasing the bottoms with butter or non-stick spray for easy removal after baking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, sugar, softened butter, water, and eggs.
4
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the mixture for 1 minute until well blended and slightly smooth.
5
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture, continuing to beat on medium speed for another minute until fully combined and smooth.
7
Gently fold in the chopped dates, raisins, and pecans with a wooden spoon or spatula, ensuring an even distribution throughout the batter.
8
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared loaf pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.
9
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
10
Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Autumn Harvest Pumpkin Nut Bread?
It is a moist and fragrant quick bread infused with fall spices, pumpkin puree, pecans, dates, and raisins.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C).
How many loaf pans does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes two loaves of pumpkin nut bread.
How should I prepare the loaf pans?
Grease the bottoms of the loaf pans with butter or a non-stick spray to ensure easy removal after baking.
What kind of pumpkin should I use?
The recipe calls for 15 ounces of canned pumpkin puree.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2/3 cup of softened butter or margarine.
What spices provide the autumn flavor in this bread?
The bread is flavored with ground cinnamon and ground cloves.
How many eggs are needed?
You will need three large eggs for this recipe.
What is the first step in mixing the batter?
In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, sugar, softened butter, water, and eggs, then beat for one minute until blended.
How do I incorporate the dry ingredients?
Whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices together in a separate bowl before gradually adding them to the pumpkin mixture.
How long should I beat the batter after adding the flour?
Beat the mixture on medium speed for one minute until it is fully combined and smooth.
What fruits are included in this bread?
The bread features a mix of 2/3 cup chopped dates and 1/2 cup raisins.
What type of nuts are used?
The recipe calls for 2/3 cup of chopped pecans.
How should the dates, raisins, and pecans be added?
Gently fold them into the batter using a wooden spoon or spatula to ensure even distribution.
How long does the bread need to bake?
Bake the loaves for 55-60 minutes.
How do I check if the pumpkin bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaves; if it comes out clean, the bread is finished baking.
What is the cooling process for the loaves?
Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What is the total count of ingredients used?
This recipe uses 13 individual ingredients.
Is this bread suitable for gifting?
Yes, it is described as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Can I use an electric mixer for this recipe?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended for blending the wet and dry ingredients on medium speed.
What role does the baking soda play?
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent to help the bread rise during baking.
Can I substitute the pecans for other nuts?
While the recipe calls for pecans, you can substitute them with chopped walnuts if preferred.
What kind of sugar is used?
The recipe specifies 2 cups of granulated sugar.
Is there any liquid other than eggs and pumpkin?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of water.
Should the eggs be at a specific temperature?
While not strictly required, using large eggs as specified provides the necessary structure.
How do I ensure the top of the bread is level?
Smooth the tops of the batter with a spatula after dividing it into the pans.
What is the serving size for this bread?
The recipe is listed as providing 2 servings, which refers to the two full loaves produced.
What should I do if the bread sticks to the pan?
Ensuring you grease the bottoms properly as instructed will prevent sticking, but you can run a knife around the edges if needed.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Yes, as long as it is pureed and the moisture content is similar to canned puree (15 ounces).
When is the best time to serve this bread?
It is perfect for brunch, as a snack, or during the autumn season.